Radioactive Minerals: Handling with Care

Minerals like uraninite, autunite, and torbernite contain uranium and are naturally radioactive. They are often brightly colored (neons greens and yellows) and are sought after by specialized collectors.

To find them, you need a Geiger counter. Listening for the clicks to speed up as you scan a mine dump is a thrill unlike any other. It adds a high-tech element to the hunt.

For most occasional collecting, the risk is minimal if you follow rules. The main danger is not the radiation itself (which drops off quickly with distance), but inhaling or ingesting radioactive dust. Never lick these rocks, wash your hands thoroughly, and store them in a ventilated area away from where you sleep.

Store radioactive specimens in a display case or box that is not in a high-traffic area of your home. Some collectors use lead-lined boxes, but simply keeping them a few feet away from people is usually sufficient for small specimens. Radon gas build-up is a concern for large collections, so ventilation is key.