Weeksite - Rössing Uranium Project, South West Africa

K₂(UO₂)₂(Si₅O₁₃) · 4H₂O

Weeksite, a rare uranium silicate mineral, is a notable find from the Rössing Uranium Project in Namibia, formerly known as South West Africa. Weeksite typically occurs as bright yellow to orange-yellow fibrous or radiating aggregates that form as crusts or coatings on fractures within the host rock. These specimens are associated with secondary uranium mineralization in granitic rocks and are products of the oxidation and weathering of primary uranium-bearing minerals, such as uraninite. The striking coloration and fibrous crystal habit of weeksite from this locality make it a visually appealing mineral that is sought after by collectors.

The occurrence of weeksite at the Rössing Uranium Project underscores the complex geochemistry of uranium deposits in arid environments. The Rössing deposit, one of the largest open-pit uranium mines in the world, provides ideal conditions for the formation of secondary uranium minerals like weeksite, which develops in oxidized zones near the surface. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, weeksite is significant for its role in understanding the mobility and secondary enrichment of uranium in granitic terrains. This mineral highlights the interplay between primary ore bodies and secondary processes, contributing to the scientific knowledge of uranium mineralogy and the environmental dynamics of uranium mining regions.

Approx. specimen size: 40mm x 25mm x 20mm

Approx. specimen activity on an SE International Ranger EXP: 11 000 cpm