Uraninite Thumbnail with Minor Gold - Shinkolobwe Mine, DRC

This thumbnail specimen comes from Shinkolobwe in Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, one of the most historically significant uranium localities ever worked. The piece is a lustrous, pitch-black mass of uraninite carrying minor native gold, an uncommon association that makes it more than a standard Shinkolobwe example. Measuring approximately [size], it is a compact, display-ready thumbnail.

Shinkolobwe supplied much of the uranium used in the Manhattan Project, and its ore was famously rich. The mine is long closed, and specimens from the locality have become increasingly hard to source. Fresh uraninite from the deposit is dense, with a submetallic to pitchy luster, and often sits alongside brilliantly coloured secondary uranium minerals.

A solid piece for a systematic uranium suite or a collection built around historically important mines. Uraninite is radioactive; the specimen is low-level and safe for normal collection handling and display. Store in a closed container, wash hands after handling, and do not grind, drill, or breathe dust from the material.

Approx. specimen size: 22mm x 10mm x 10mm

Approx. specimen weight: 3.73 grams

Approx. specimen activity on an SE International Ranger EXP: 52000 cpm