Soddyite with Curite, Uranophane

specimen number:
2354307

location:
Shinkolobwe Mine, Kambove , Haut-Katanga , DR Congo

description:

Yellow blocky crystals of soddyite to 0.2 cm on edge quite rich across one side of matrix with orange micro crusts of curite. Minor pale yellow uranophane is present as well. In good condition.

The Shinkolobwe Mine in the Haut-Katanga region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo sits within the Central African Copperbelt, an extraordinary geological province where hydrothermal activity concentrated massive amounts of copper, cobalt, and uranium. Historically, Shinkolobwe became globally famous for its high-grade pitchblende production, which supplied raw material for the Manhattan Project before operations were permanently closed and secured. Mineralogically, the deposit is legendary for its rich assemblage of secondary uranium species, particularly soddyite, a striking golden-yellow uranium silicate mineral that formed in the oxidized zones as prismatic crystals and crusts, making preserved historic specimens prized treasures for advanced systematic collectors.

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