Soddyite - Shinkolobwe Mine, Shinkolobwe, Kambove Territory, Haut-Katanga, DR Congo

This luminous specimen of Soddyite originates from the historic Shinkolobwe Mine, one of the most iconic uranium localities in the world. The specimen features a glistening carpet of tiny, acicular to subhedral crystals with a rich yellow-orange coloration, spread across a contrasting dark matrix. The crystals are semi-transparent with a silky to greasy luster and tend to form in radial or fibrous aggregates, giving the specimen an almost velvety appearance in areas. When viewed under UV light or magnification, the fine details and zonation in color reveal the quality and purity of the mineralization.

Soddyite is a rare uranium silicate mineral formed under oxidizing conditions from the alteration of uraninite, typically in the weathered zones of uranium-rich veins. At Shinkolobwe, soddyite occurs in association with an extraordinary suite of uranium minerals, forming in highly evolved and complex parageneses. This specimen is a superb representation of soddyite's delicate form and coloration, offering both historical and mineralogical significance. It is an excellent example of the secondary uranium silicates that make the Katanga region a treasure trove for collectors and researchers alike.

Approx. specimen size: 35mm x 25mm x 25mm

Approx. specimen weight: 19.27 grams

Approx. specimen activity on an SE International Ranger EXP: 47000 cpm