Search Mineralpedia – A Mineral Photo Database and Identification Guide

Named for its relation to polycrase-(Y) and for the uranium in its composition. In only a couple of locations worldwide, Uranopolycrase  occurs at its type locality on Elba Island, Italy in a zoned pegmatite vein near a granodiorite contact. Uranopolycrase is quite radioactive.

Ref. Handbook of Mineralogy, Anthony et al (1995) and MSA at http://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/uranopolycrase.pdf

In reference to its common bladed habit, Uranospathite is named for the Greek spathe, meaning “broad blade” and, of course, for its uranium content. This rare and highly radioactive mineral occurs as a secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of hydrothermal U-bearing deposits. It is commonly associated with bassetite and takes its type locality from Wheal Basset of the Basset mines in Cornwall, England. Found in only a few locations worldwide, other localities include France, Spain, Germany, and Australia. Uranospathite will fluoresce a yellow-green under ultraviolet light. Additionally, Uranospathite desiccate to sabugalite readily under non-humid conditions.

Ref. Handbook of Mineralogy, Anthony et al (1995) and MSA at http://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/uranospathite.pdf

A member of the Pyrochlore Subgroup, uranpyrochlore is named in reflection of this and its noteworthy uranium content. It can be found in carbonatite-associated, calcium-rich tuffs such as near Kasenda in Uganda, among other localities including Germany, Madagascar, and the United States. Interestingly, mindat.org does not mention the Uganda locality. Uranpyrochlore is radioactive.

Ref. Handbook of Mineralogy, Anthony et al (1995) and MSA at http://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/uranpyrochlore