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Identity HelpPitchblende?

3rd Dec 2010 20:59 UTCRocky Barney

Wow...I am really not trying to wear the system out, I have had these questions for years, and am finally asking. My late father owned several uranium mines here in the state of Utah and collected this back in the 1960's. He had always told me it was pitchblende and we were warned to stay away from it. Back about 2 months ago, I was cleaning out the old rock shop that he had and came across it again. I do know that it would "plant the needle" on his geiger counter, and is extremely heavy for its size. I have ruled out any type of metal ore, (my family has been in the mining business for decades).

Once again, thanks in advance,

Rocky

3rd Dec 2010 21:35 UTCLloyd Van Duzen Expert

Hi Rocky,

Here in Ontario I believe "pitchblende" to be uraninite. Maybe looking up the physical properties posted if any, it may help.

There is reference of radioactivity.

4th Dec 2010 02:22 UTCsteven garza

Dear Rocky;

Now THAT is uraninite var. pitchblend! That pic shows it VERY well! Yes, that piece is likely to have a dangerously high rad count, so, keep it away from possible ready handling & store it where you have to work to access it; that'll mean you'll get zer5o to minimal exposure to it.

Your friend, Steve

5th Dec 2010 00:32 UTCReiner Mielke Expert

Only way to know for sure is test it with a scintillator or geiger counter. The high SG and appearance do suggest uraninite.

5th Dec 2010 00:52 UTCRocky Barney

Thanks everyone...it was collected by my late father at the Lone B mines in the Circle Cliffs area of Utah. At one time he had several mines in that area which produced a secondary type of uranium. He also had 116 claims in the Marysvale, Utah area that produced a primary type of uranium ore. The mines in the Circle cliffs country have now been walled off by the park service, (they were taken in to the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument). The Lone B mines were located approx. 1 mile north of the Wolverine Natural petrified forest area, at the mouth of Wolverine and Death Canyons.

5th Dec 2010 20:04 UTCJenna Mast

I have a few small radioactive specimens myself, but I would take your father's advice on staying away from that.

If it's as massive as it looks, it should be stored some place well ventilated and many many feet from any area you are in regularly. If it is kept in a sealed container, it should only be opened outside, as a considerable amount of radon will build up in the container, and if I recall correctly, though radon has a short half life, it decays to radioactive solids. You should be sure to wash your hands well and wipe off any surfaces that have come in contact with it with a damp cloth so you do not accidentally ingest radioactive particles.

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