Uraninite Crystal - Albion Lake, Bancroft, Ontario, Canada

Uraninite crystals from Albion Lake, Bancroft, Ontario, are well-known for their sharp, well-formed cubic and octahedral habits, often displaying a deep black color with a submetallic to greasy luster. These crystals are typically found within pegmatitic and granitic host rocks, reflecting the region's complex geological history. The Bancroft area is one of Canada’s most famous mineral-producing regions, and Albion Lake has yielded some of the finest uraninite specimens in the area. The uraninite from this locality is highly radioactive due to its uranium content and is often associated with other pegmatitic minerals, including feldspar, quartz, allanite, zircon, and secondary uranium minerals such as autunite and gummite.

Crystals from Albion Lake often exhibit well-defined edges and, in some cases, minor surface alteration due to oxidation, which can produce secondary uranium mineral coatings in yellow or green hues. Specimens from this locality are particularly valued by collectors for their crystallinity and historical significance, as Bancroft was a key area in Canada’s uranium mining history. While the Albion Lake locality is no longer actively mined, specimens from old collections continue to surface, making them highly sought after by mineral enthusiasts. The area remains a popular destination for rockhounds seeking to explore the remnants of Bancroft’s rich geological heritage.

Approx. specimen size: 8mm x 6mm x 4mm

Approx. specimen activity on an SE International Ranger EXP: 9000 cpm