Uraninite & Curite - Shinkolobwe Mine, Shinkolobwe, Kambove Territory, Haut-Katanga, DR Congo

This striking association of uraninite and curite hails from the historic Shinkolobwe Mine in the Katanga Copper Crescent, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Uraninite, the primary uranium ore mineral, forms dense black masses with a characteristic submetallic luster, often acting as the radiogenic nucleus around which vivid orange curite crystals develop. These specimens frequently exhibit a dramatic contrast—jet-black uraninite blades or botryoidal aggregates draped with intensely saturated, microcrystalline to tabular curite, making them highly sought after by both systematic collectors and uranium mineral enthusiasts.

The curite from this locality is renowned for its exceptional quality and intensity of color, typically forming sharp, lustrous, deep-orange crystals in association with the uranium-rich matrix. This secondary uranium mineral forms through oxidative alteration of uraninite and other primary uranium phases under unique geochemical conditions present in the Shinkolobwe deposit. Shinkolobwe specimens remain the global standard for curite, with their radiological activity, vivid color, and mineralogical significance offering a fascinating glimpse into one of the most famous and geopolitically significant uranium mines of the 20th century.

Approx. specimen size: 43mm x 30mm x 18mm

Approx. specimen weight: 32.29 grams

Approx. specimen activity on an SE International Ranger EXP: 25000 cpm