 |
Chemical Formula |
ThSiO4
This is the formula for pure Thorite. However, since it
usually occurs with some uranium replacing the thorium,
its formula is scientifically recognized as:
(Th,U)SiO4 |
|
Composition |
Thorium silicate, usually with some uranium,
and sometimes with zirconium, hafnium, and yttrium |
|
Variable Formula |
(Th,U)SiO4 ;
(Th,U,Zr,Y)SiO4 |
|
Color |
Black, reddish-brown, brown, orange,
orange-yellow, dark green |
|
Streak |
Light brown |
|
Hardness |
4½ - 5 |
|
Crystal Forms
and Aggregates |
(Tetragonal) Occasionally as short, stubby, prismatic crystals, which are usually terminated. Crystals are rarely as elongated prisms. Most often grainy, reniform, as fibrous masses, and massive. When in crystals, they are almost always
rounded at the edges due to the metamict nature of this radioactive mineral. |
|
Transparency |
Opaque |
|
Specific Gravity |
4.0 - 6.7 (Depending on purity)
Pure is 5.35 |
|
Luster |
Resinous to pitchy |
|
Cleavage |
3,2 |
|
Fracture |
Conchoidal to splintery |
|
Tenacity |
Brittle |
|
Other Names |
 Torite |
|
Varieties |
 Orangite - orange variety
of Thorite
Calciotherite
- calcium-rich variety of Thorite
Uranothorite
- uranium-rich variety of Thorite, containing up to half
of the thorium replaced by uranium |
|
In
Group |
Silicates ; Nesosilicates |
|
All About |
Thorite
is the most prevalent mineral containing the radioactive element thorium. However, it is
not as important as the primary thorium ore, Monazite, since the
extraction process of Thorite is more costly.
Thorite, being radioactive, must be stored with all the
precautions exercised with radioactive minerals. The
radioactivity of Thorite often brings it to a state of
self destruction (known as metamiction) in which its crystal structure becomes unstable, causing the crystal edges to become smooth
and rounded. When this happens, the Thorite may gain
hydroxyl (OH) molecules in place of the silica (SiO4)
molecules and transform into a different mineral, Thorogummite.
Thorite is named for its thorium content. |
|
Uses |
Thorite is an increasingly important ore of the radioactive element thorium. |
|
Striking Features |
High specific gravity, luster, and strong radioactivity |
|
Popularity (1-4) |
3 |
|
Prevalence (1-3) |
3 |
|
Demand (1-3) |
2 |
|
Distinguishing
Similar Minerals |
Carnotite and Tyuyamunite-
softer and lighter in weight
Zircon and Hafnon - harder,
different streak
See also Thorogummite |
|
Commonly
Occurs With |
Quartz,
Biotite, Orthoclase, Monazite, Xenotime, Betafite |
|
Noteworthy
Localities |
Thorite is found in Arendal, Langesundfjord,
and Lomo, Norway; the Eifel Mountains, Germany; Bancroft,
Hastings Co., Ontario; the Thomas Range, Juab Co., Utah;
and Llano Co., Texas. |
|
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|
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