How is coffinite formed?
The energetic metastability explains why coffinite cannot be synthesized directly from uraninite and quartz but can be made by low-temperature precipitation in aqueous and hydrothermal environments.
Where is coffinite found?
Geological occurrence Coffinite was first discovered in sedimentary uranium deposits in the Colorado Plateau region, but has also been discovered in sedimentary uranium deposits and hydrothermal veins in many other locations.
What is Torbernite used for?
Torbernite is a copper phosphate mineral that contains uranium, making it somewhat radioactive. Although it can be used as a uranium ore, it’s more valued as a collectors mineral. It can be used as a good indicator of uranium deposits, however. Sample provided by Carlin Green, USGS.
Is Torbernite safe?
Torbernite is a dangerous mineral composed of hydrated green copper, phosphate, and uranyl. The mineral is often found in granites that contain uranium and is dangerous due to its radioactive nature. The mineral releases radon naturally and can cause lung cancer if exposure is long enough.
How is Torbernite formed?
The structure of torbernite is composed of phosphate tetrahedrons linked to uranium-oxygen groups that form distorted octahedrons. Torbernite can lose water and convert to a different mineral called meta-torbernite of the meta-autunite/meta-torbernite group of minerals.
Are any crystals radioactive?
Sometimes it can contain so many radioactive inclusions that its crystal structure is destroyed (metamict). In apatite and titanite, the natural radioactivity is usually less than the natural background radiation….Natural radioactive gemstones.
| Mineral | Color | Source of Radiation |
|---|---|---|
| Monazite | brownish yellow | Thorium (Th) |
Are there poisonous gems?
There are a number of gems that could be considered to be poisonous. Among the elements that make these gems poisonous are Arsenic, Lead, Mercury and Sodium Fluorine. Most of these gems are safe under normal circumstances but all should be handled with caution.
What if someone touches my crystals?
If someone else touches your crystal—which you want to avoid—it needs to be cleaned immediately before you wear it or use it again. People automatically want to touch stones, as they are pretty, shiny—and filled with your personal, sparkly energy.
How big is a box of coffinite radioactive?
Coffinite is Radioactive as defined in 49 CFR 173.403. Greater than 70 Bq / gram. Estimated Maximum U.S. Postal Shipping Size (10 mRem/hr limit, Unshielded 10 cm box) 5.88 ± 1.47 grams of pure Coffinite .
Which is the best way to identify coffinite?
X -ray diffraction powder studies indicate that coffinite is tetragonal and isostructural with zircon; material from the Arrowhead mine in Mesa County, Colorado, has go = 6.94 Å, a0 = 6.31 Å, a0: c0 = 1:0.909. Coffinite is best identified by its x -ray diffraction powder pattern.
How is the specific gravity of coffinite determined?
Coffinite is best identified by its x -ray diffraction powder pattern. Owing to its fine-grained nature and its association with uraninite and low-valence vanadium minerals, coffinite could not be completely purified. The specific gravity of coffinite-bearing material is variable, with a measured maximum of 5.1.
What kind of uranium is in coffinite ore?
In many Colorado Plateau mines coffinite and uraninite are the main uranium minerals in the unoxidized ore. In hand specimen coffinite is black; many of the samples have an adamantine luster resembling that of a high-rank coal.
