Uraninite - Cardiff Uranium Mine, Cardiff Township, Hastings County, Ontario, Canada

UO₂

Uraninite from the Cardiff Uranium Mine in Ontario, Canada, is a fascinating mineral known for its rich, metallic luster and high uranium content. Typically occurring as granular masses or small cubic crystals, uraninite from this location exhibits a dark gray to black color with a slightly greasy or sub-metallic sheen. Due to its high uranium content, the mineral is highly radioactive and requires careful handling. Cardiff specimens are particularly valued for their association with other rare minerals, such as allanite, zircon, and thorite, which form in the region’s complex pegmatitic and metamorphic environment.

The Cardiff Uranium Mine, located in the Grenville Geological Province, is part of a region known for its ancient, mineral-rich crust. The mine operated briefly during the mid-20th century, primarily during the uranium exploration boom. Uraninite from this locality crystallized in a highly metamorphic environment, resulting in its association with a diverse suite of accessory minerals that reflect the intense geological processes of the area. Today, specimens from the Cardiff Uranium Mine are prized among collectors for their historical significance, rarity, and as examples of the unique mineralogy of the Grenville Province.

Approx. specimen size: 70mm x 50mm x 30mm

Approx. specimen activity on an SE International Ranger EXP: 35 000 cpm