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The Moment Uranium Left Geology and Entered History Trinitite is not a mineral in the traditional sense, but it behaves like one in every way that matters to science. It has a composition, a structure, a radiation signature, and a formation environment that can be studied, measured, and interpreted. What separates it from every specimen that came before it is time. Not geological time, but human time. Trinitite formed in a fraction of a second on July 16, 1945, during the fir

A Fragile Record of Evaporation, Chemistry, and Near-Surface Uranium Some uranium minerals announce themselves with mass and output. Others explain the process. Shrockingerite belongs firmly to the second group. It is not dense, not durable, and not built to last. What it does exceptionally well is document uranium mobility at the Earth’s surface. It forms quickly under the right conditions and disappears just as readily when those conditions change. That impermanence is prec

If you've ever been fascinated by the mysterious glow of certain minerals or wondered how some rocks can actually be radioactive, you're in for a treat. Today, I want to take you on a journey into the world of radioactive mineral formation. It’s a topic that’s as intriguing as it is complex, but I promise to keep things clear and engaging. So, grab your curiosity and let’s dive in! Understanding Radioactive Mineral Formation Radioactive minerals form through a variety of geol

Uranium in Motion, Frozen at the Surface Skłodowskite is named in honor of Marie Skłodowska Curie  (Marie Curie), using her Polish surname Skłodowska . The name is a direct nod to her foundational work on radioactivity and the discovery of polonium and radium. In other words, this mineral is literally wearing the “radioactivity hall-of-fame” name tag. Some uranium specimens overwhelm you with output. Others reward patience. This skłodowskite specimen from the Musonoi Mine fal

If you've ever been fascinated by rare minerals, then you might have stumbled upon thorite crystals at some point. These intriguing specimens are not just beautiful but also carry a unique story, especially when they come from Myanmar. Today, I want to take you on a journey to explore the thorite crystal properties and why Myanmar's deposits are so special. Trust me, once you dive into this, you'll see why collectors and science buffs alike get so excited about these mineral

A Detailed Look at Secondary Uranium Alteration in the San Juan Basin Zippeite on Uraninite Zn(UO₂)₂(SO₄)₂(OH)₂·4H₂O on UO₂ Blue Lizard Mine San Juan County Some uranium specimens impress through brute force. Others explain chemistry in motion. This zippeite on uraninite from the Blue Lizard Mine belongs firmly in the second category. This piece is not about raw output alone. It is about transformation. It captures a late-stage, significant moment in uranium alteration where