Kamotoite-(Y), Curite & Uraninite — Kamoto Mine, Katanga, Democratic Republic of Congo. Type Locality — Ex. Gilbert Gauthier Collection

This is a specimen of genuine scientific distinction.

The Kamoto Mine is the type locality for kamotoite-(Y) — a yttrium uranyl carbonate hydroxide hydrate that is among the rarer and more obscure members of the secondary uranium mineral suite. Type locality material for any species carries significance that transcends its visual character; this is definitionally where kamotoite was first found, first described, and first understood. Specimens from the type locale are primary reference material.

The association with curite — the rare lead uranate alteration product of primary uraninite — and primary uraninite itself gives this piece a complete mineralogical narrative: from fresh primary uraninite through the lead-bearing intermediate alteration phase curite, to the fully oxidized secondary carbonate kamotoite. You are looking at the sequential decay and alteration chemistry of a uranium deposit expressed in mineral form on a single hand specimen.

Gilbert Gauthier's collection provenance underscores what the mineralogy already communicates: this is not an ordinary piece. For collectors focused on uranium mineral systematics, Central African localities, or type material, this combination — type locale, rare species, multi-phase alteration suite, distinguished collection — is about as strong as it gets.

Approx. specimen size: 30mm x 15mm x 15mm

Approx. specimen weight: 8.64 grams

Approx. specimen activity on an SE International Ranger EXP: 67000 CPM