Uraninite - Palermo No. 1 Mine, Groton, Grafton County, New Hampshire, USA

UO₂

Uraninite - Palermo No. 1 Mine, Groton, Grafton County, New Hampshire, USA

Overview: The Palermo No. 1 Mine, located in Groton, Grafton County, New Hampshire, USA, is a renowned site for its exceptional mineralogical diversity, with Uraninite being one of its noteworthy specimens. This mine has been a hotspot for collectors and geologists alike due to its rich pegmatite deposits.

Key Facts about Uraninite from this Location:

• Composition: Uraninite is a primary uranium oxide mineral with the chemical formula UO₂, often containing small amounts of lead, thorium, and rare earth elements due to radioactive decay and geochemical interactions.

• Appearance:

  • Typically found as black to dark brown cubic or octahedral crystals.
  • In the Palermo No. 1 Mine, it may appear in massive forms or as crystalline inclusions in the surrounding matrix.

• Radioactivity: Uraninite is highly radioactive, necessitating careful handling and proper storage due to its uranium content and decay products like radon gas.

• Association with Other Minerals: In the Palermo No. 1 Mine, Uraninite is commonly associated with a variety of minerals such as:

  • Apatite: Known for vibrant colors and phosphate content.
  • Muscovite: A mica group mineral found in the pegmatite matrix.
  • Fluorapatite: Frequently occurring in accessory phases.
  • Rare Phosphates: Including strunzite and triphylite, adding to the mine's fame.

Geological Context of the Palermo No. 1 Mine:

• Pegmatite Environment: The mine is located within a granitic pegmatite, rich in rare-earth and phosphate minerals, formed during the late stages of crystallization in granitic magma.

• Mineral Diversity: More than 150 mineral species have been identified at the site, making it one of the most mineralogically diverse localities in the United States.

• Historical Significance: The mine has been a significant source for rare minerals and is frequently studied for its unique geochemical environment.

Specimen Collection and Safety:

• Collecting: Due to the radioactive nature of Uraninite, collectors must handle specimens with gloves, use Geiger counters for safety, and store them in lead-lined containers.
• Legal Considerations: Check local regulations on collecting and possessing uranium-rich minerals, as some jurisdictions may impose restrictions.

Why It's Special:

The Uraninite from Palermo No. 1 Mine is prized not only for its rarity and radioactive properties but also as an indicator of the complex processes that create mineral diversity in pegmatite systems. For collectors, it represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of geological history.

Approx. specimen size: 75mm x 55mm x 55mm

Approx. specimen activity on an SE International Ranger EXP: 109 000 cpm