Fergusonite-(Y) — J.G. Gole Quarry, Murchison Township, Nipissing District, Ontario

A genuinely scarce Ontario radioactive mineral. Fergusonite-(Y), an yttrium-niobium-tantalum oxide, occurs only sparingly at the J.G. Gole Quarry — one of the classic granite pegmatite localities of the Grenville Province, where a rare-earth-rich dyke of white-to-grey plagioclase and glassy quartz has produced an unusually diverse rare-earth mineral suite, including fergusonite-(Y), euxenite-(Y), samarskite-(Y), and hellandite-(Y).

At this locality, fergusonite-(Y) forms as well-formed dipyramidal crystals, typically small — a crystal reaching 2 cm is considered an excellent find — with a dark brown to black, submetallic to resinous surface. Like most Y-group niobates, its crystal structure has been partially disordered by long-term self-irradiation from contained uranium and thorium, giving fine specimens a distinctive semi-vitreous, glassy character. This is genuine, well-formed Gole Quarry material representing one of the rarer species collectors can obtain from this historic Bancroft-area pegmatite.

Species: Fergusonite-(Y), YNbO₄
Locality: J.G. Gole Quarry, Murchison Township, Nipissing District, Ontario
Radioactivity: Present — handle and store per standard radioactive mineral practice
Approx. activity: 33000 CPM

Approx. specimen size: 60mm x 40mm x 35mm

Approx. specimen weight: 171 grams

Radioactive Mineral Shipping Policy

All naturally radioactive mineral specimens are available for shipping within Canada only. Due to Transport Canada dangerous goods regulations and Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission requirements, we cannot ship radioactive materials internationally. All specimens are packaged in accordance with excepted quantity guidelines and clearly labeled. Purchasers are responsible for ensuring they are legally permitted to possess radioactive mineral specimens under applicable provincial and federal regulations. If you have questions about a specific specimen's activity level or shipping eligibility, please contact us before purchasing.