Schoepite - Temple Mountain Mining District, Emery County, Utah, USA

(UO₂)₈O₂(OH)₁₂ · 12H₂O

Schoepite - Temple Mountain Mining District, Emery County, Utah, USA

The Temple Mountain Mining District, located in Emery County, Utah, is renowned for its rich history of uranium and vanadium mining. It has also become a notable site for mineral collectors due to its diverse and vibrant secondary uranium minerals, including schoepite. 

• Chemical Formula: $U{O}_3\cdot n{H}_{2}O$ (a hydrated uranium oxide mineral)
• Color: Bright yellow to orange-yellow, often forming thin coatings or crusts.
• Crystal System: Orthorhombic
• Formation: Schoepite typically forms as a secondary mineral in oxidized zones of uranium-rich deposits, often associated with other uranium minerals such as autunite, tyuyamunite, and meta-schoepite.

Temple Mountain Mining District Overview

• Location: Emery County, Utah, USA
• Geological Setting: The district is part of the San Rafael Swell, a geological uplift rich in uranium-vanadium ore deposits, hosted primarily in the Morrison Formation (a Late Jurassic sedimentary rock unit).
• Mining History: Active uranium mining began in the 1910s and peaked during the mid-20th century during the Cold War era, driven by the demand for nuclear materials.

Schoepite in Temple Mountain

Schoepite in the Temple Mountain Mining District is commonly found as a product of weathering and oxidation of uranium-rich ores exposed at the surface or in mining areas. The mineral is notable for its:

• Visual Appeal: Vibrant yellow hues that make it highly collectible.
• Association with Other Minerals: Frequently occurs with uranophane, tyuyamunite, and other uranium-bearing minerals, making specimens from the area particularly diverse.
• Collector Interest: The district is a popular destination for mineral enthusiasts seeking radioactive minerals.

 This specimen comes from the collection of Jack Nieburger.

Approx. specimen size: 40mm x 40mm x 23mm

Approx specimen activity on an SE International Ranger EXP: 47 000 cpm