Uranium Cube
$315.00
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Uranium Cube
$315.00
Description:
Not many people can say that they own a piece of actual Uranium! This sample of Uranium is a beautiful green crystal called Autunite. It is definitely a great conversation piece or a good way to keep annoying coworkers from coming to your desk. Uranium was first identified in 1789 by German chemist Martin Klaproth, it was named after the planet Uranus.
Technical Info:
It is 50% uranium by mass and is a naturally forming crystal of Uranium. Natural uranium contains about 0.7% uranium-235 which is the fissionable isotope used in nuclear reactors. This sample has about 15 grams of autunite which translates to about 52.5mg of the same isotope that nuclear bombs are made out of! The remaining 99.3% is U-238, also known as depleted uranium.
Uranium is a chemical element with the symbol U and atomic number 92. In its pure form it is a silvery-grey metal but this sample is obviously not the metal form. Uranium is part of the actinide series of the periodic table.
Most people think of modern technology when they hear the word uranium since it is the key element in nuclear energy and nuclear weapons. However, before its nuclear properties were understood, it was primarily used as a coloring agent for "Vaseline glass" (which glows green under UV light) and orange ceramic glazes like Fiesta Ware.
Uranium has the unique ability to undergo nuclear fission, a process where its nucleus splits to release an immense amount of energy; one fingertip-sized pellet contains as much energy as 17,000 cubic feet of natural gas or nearly a ton of coal.
Please note: Requires a UV light to illuminate/fluoresce.
Regulations:
It is not regulated by law because it is a natural crystal specimen. It is license-exempt and considered a Radioactive Ore Sample or Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) according to 10CFR in federal code. That being said, Autunite is becoming increasingly hard to find and collect.
Please note that this item might be classified as hazardous material in certain countries. We suggest checking local guidelines to ensure compliance before placing your order.
