Phosphuranylite

specimen number:
2354100

location:
Margnac II Mine, Compreignac, Bellac, Haute-Vienne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France

description:
One side of this matrix is covered with yellow crystallized almost botryoidal phosphuranylite. In excellent condition. A very fine richly crystallized example for the species.

Located in the Haute-Vienne department of France, the Margnac II Mine near Compreignac operated as part of the famous La Crouzille uranium mining district within the Massif Central. The ore body developed in hydrothermally altered granites, where primary pitchblende concentrated along episyenite zones and structural fractures. Commercial operations extracted significant quantities of uranium fuel during the post-WWII era until operations ceased in the late 20th century. Near-surface weathering and oxidation of primary uranium ores produced a rich suite of secondary hydrated minerals, including phosphuranylite. This secondary mineral forms bright yellow to golden coatings or scaly earthy crusts inside fracture cavities, making the locality famous among mineral collectors for producing fine specimens of radioactive phosphate species.

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