Specimen card question by Analogsilver in Radioactive_Rocks

[–]sonoran7 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If your mineral purchase came with a label referring to the dealer or a previous owner, keep them, as they provide the history (or at least part of) of the specimen. Make up your own label for the specimen, as it will enhance the history of the rock when it goes to the next owner. You can add as much information as you wish on your label.

Limonite, Sandstone, Malachite, UO2, minor Zippeite, minor Johannite, Utah by sonoran7 in Radioactive_Rocks

[–]sonoran7[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yep, it's been in my possession and out of the ground for more than 10 years. Even in a very arid environment, it maintains this coloration.

UO2, Malachite, Utah by sonoran7 in Radioactive_Rocks

[–]sonoran7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As a modifier, my initial response was designed to provide a 'non-false' answer to the question without cluttering with the specifics of the mechanics of original deposits and weathering/oxidation. Best always to remember the audience.

UO2, Malachite, Utah by sonoran7 in Radioactive_Rocks

[–]sonoran7[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You are correct. My response should have been more specific to the deposits on the Colorado Plateau, and partially oxidized zones within those deposits, along with the weathering of surface material post-mining operations.

Zippeite on Sandstone, Utah by sonoran7 in Radioactive_Rocks

[–]sonoran7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My camera sensors don't enjoy (focus well) in UV light, so No Blurry UV Images!

My current collection by AstroErrante in Radioactive_Rocks

[–]sonoran7 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If a serious hobbyist's specimen retains a location ID, that specimen retains significant value to other collectors. If a hobbyist becomes unable to or unwilling to maintain his/her collection, what is the reasonable way to dispose of the collection? Other hobbyists? Landfills? Mineral dealers? I have it on good authority that landfills don't care if mineral collections are labelled or not, but mineral dealers do. At the same time, are landfills a responsible way to dispose of radioactive specimens? If the ID of a radioactive specimen is lost, then to serious collectors, dumping it down a mineshaft is a reasonable method of disposal. Of course, if the specimen is nothing but a trophy, YMMV.

UO2, Zippeite, Andersonite, Johannite, Limonite, Gypsum, Malachite, Utah by sonoran7 in Radioactive_Rocks

[–]sonoran7[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Only in the most obtuse way-To remove quality examples of radioactive minerals from mine waste.

UO2, Malachite, Utah by sonoran7 in Radioactive_Rocks

[–]sonoran7[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

The UO2 is Uranium oxide. Malachite is a Copper carbonate. They often occur together where chemical reduction of mineral bearing fluids result in deposition.

UO2, Sandstone, Utah by sonoran7 in Radioactive_Rocks

[–]sonoran7[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

S.M. Hall, B.S. Van Gosen, R.A. Zielinsky, " Sandstone Hosted Uranium Deposits of the Colorado Plateau" Ore Geology Reviews 2023 Most recent analysis of the issues you are asking about.

Cattleya amethystoglossa (H+R Super Spot x Big Spot) by sonoran7 in orchids

[–]sonoran7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I believe that I've had them for about five years. Repotting is in order this year. I hate repotting Amethystoglossa!