Uraninite Crystal on Titanite (Sphene) Crystal - Albion Lake, Bancroft, Ontario, Canada

UO₂

CaTi(SiO₄)O

The Uraninite on Titanite (Sphene) crystal specimens from Albion Lake, near Bancroft, Ontario, represent a stunning and rare geological combination. Uraninite, a primary ore of uranium, forms as dark, lustrous crystals with a metallic sheen, contrasting beautifully with the vibrant green, yellow, or brown hues of titanite. Titanite, known for its brilliance and sharp crystal forms, serves as a visually striking matrix for the uraninite, creating an exceptional aesthetic and mineralogical specimen. This pairing offers collectors a glimpse into the complex pegmatitic and metamorphic processes that shaped the Bancroft area, famously known as the “Mineral Capital of Canada.”

Albion Lake’s unique geological environment has produced some of the world’s most remarkable mineral associations, and the uraninite-titanite combination is a standout example. These specimens are not only sought after for their aesthetic appeal but also for their scientific value, showcasing the interplay of uranium-bearing minerals with calcium-titanium silicates. The presence of uraninite adds a radioactive element, making these specimens particularly intriguing to collectors of radioactive minerals. Their rarity and origin from Bancroft, a world-renowned mineralogical hotspot, further elevate their desirability among enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Here we have a little a pyramidal crystal of Uraninite on a larger crystal of Titanite (Sphene) from Albion Lake, Bancroft, Ontario, Canada. This specimen comes in at approx 3000 cpm on an SE International Ranger EXP.