Uranelite

Uranelite is a rare, secondary uranium mineral with the chemical formula UO2. It is also known by the discredited name pitchblende, though pitchblende is now primarily used to refer to massive, impure uranium ores, often containing uraninite. Uraninite is the most important ore of uranium.

It crystallizes in the cubic system, forming crystals that are typically small and anhedral to euhedral. The mineral is usually opaque and has a black to brownish-black color and a dull to vitreous luster. It has a high density and a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. Uraninite is found in a variety of geological environments, including pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and placer deposits. It is often associated with other uranium minerals, as well as minerals containing thorium, rare earth elements, and other radioactive elements.

The most significant deposits of uraninite are found in Canada, Kazakhstan, Namibia, and Australia. These deposits are mined for their uranium content, which is used primarily in the nuclear power industry and for other applications such as medical isotopes. The radioactivity of uraninite requires careful handling and safety precautions during mining and processing.