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Identity HelpUnknown.

10th Apr 2024 21:29 UTCHolger Hartmaier 🌟

02043370017127837722317.jpg
Unlabelled specimen from a collector that visited western USA to collect. I believe it is carnotite in sandstone. Similar to other materials from the Colorado Plateau. I didn’t want to handle it for further tests as it is quite radioactive (3 Mr/h). I’m hoping someone can provide an opinion on mineralogy and possible localities. 

Questions Answered
Can it scratch glass? : Unable to test
Can you scratch it with your fingernail? : Unable to test
Is it light/heavy for the size? : Unable to test

10th Apr 2024 21:33 UTCPaul De Bondt Manager

Holger,

Thank you for your question.
Yellow Rads are very difficult to distinguish, especially when they are massive, without distinctive crystals.
I hope this helps.

Paul.

10th Apr 2024 23:35 UTCHolger Hartmaier 🌟

Thanks Paul,
I will consider getting it analyzed.

11th Apr 2024 00:12 UTCSteve Hardinger 🌟 Expert

It is likely to be a mixture of things.

13th Apr 2024 22:01 UTCHarold Moritz 🌟 Expert

Or similar looking tyuyamunite.

14th Apr 2024 16:23 UTCBill Hamel 🌟

I would call it Gummite, most likely from the Uravan Belt.

14th Apr 2024 18:25 UTCJeff Weissman Expert

Certainly not gummite.

The yellow is most likely a member of the carnotite group. Not a strong rule, but if the matrix is sandstone, most likely carnotite, if the matrix is limestone, most likely tyuyamunite. I'd call it 'carnotite group?' until analysis is done.

14th Apr 2024 21:55 UTCHolger Hartmaier 🌟

Thanks Jeff,
I collected a small sample for analysis. Just looking for a place locally in the Calgary, Alberta area to do it. Once that is done, I will report back and solicit opinions on possible localities. 

14th Apr 2024 22:31 UTCBill Hamel 🌟

Overall, looking at the piece again, I tend to agree with you.

But, it should be noted that gummite can occur in sandstone  in U ore pods (for example at the Pick’s Delta mine  the San Rafael Swell, UT).

I think the key on gummite vs ‘carnotite group’ is  whether  the environment is oxidizing or not. If it is oxidizing, then I agree ‘carnotite group ?’ is appropriate. 

I am also having a hard time discerning the matrix for this piece, which seems to imply the yellow material is  encapsulating the sandstone(?) grains which would be more in line with ’carnotite group’.  I also don’t see any uraninite (anther vote for ‘carnotite group’).

It will be interesting to see the results once this piece gets analyzed. Either way, it is definitely an interesting piece.

 

14th Apr 2024 22:32 UTCBill Hamel 🌟

Agreeing with Jeff W.

1st May 2024 00:14 UTCHolger Hartmaier 🌟

I’m looking for recommendations for a place to get analysis for mineral identification done. I’ve had no luck finding anyone local (Calgary Alberta). I previously used Kerry Day (Kaygeedee Minerals) in Ontario but his equipment has recently broken down and he is not doing any tests at this time.

Existing labs in Calgary seem geared to the oil and gas industry and don’t do mineralogy ID, or don’t respond to inquiries for some reason. 

I would have more material to be analyzed in the future if I could find someone local (western Canada?) and charges reasonable fees. 
 
Mineral and/or Locality  
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