Pitchblende

Name:
Pitchblende
Detailed information:
A massive variety of uraninite or uranium oxide found in metallic veins. Contains 55–75% UO₂, up to 30% UO₃, usually a little water, and varying amounts of other elements. Thorium and the rare earths are generally absent.

Properties:

Black color, brownish-black streak, pitchy to dull luster. Mohs hardness 5.5, d 6.5–8.5.

Occurrence:

Canada, Colorado, Europe, Zaire.

Hazard:

Radioactive material.

Use:

Most important ore of uranium, original source of radium.