Mineralogy of uranium and thorium / Robert J. Lauf.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 321-343) and indexes.

Introduction -- Formation and characteristics of radioactive deposits -- Important radioactive mineral localities -- North America -- South America -- Europe -- Central Asia -- Australia -- Africa -- Systematic mineralogy -- Primary minerals -- Secondary minerals -- Other minerals containing essential U or Th -- Minerals frequently containing U or Th as impurities.

'For students of geology, this book offers a systematic overview of uranium and thorium minerals, which are known for their intense ultraviolet fluorescence and are critically important as our source of nuclear energy. Learn about the geochemical conditions that produce significant ore deposits and view more than 600 maps, structure diagrams, color photos, and electron micrographs. A web link allows readers to view the more than 130 crystal structures in three dimensions for a richer appreciation of their details. The minerals are arranged to emphasize how they fit into chemical groups, and a thorough description is provided for each mineral. Major occurrences of interest to mineral collectors are arranged geographically, with maps showing the important deposits in uranium-producing countries. With the resurgence of interest in nuclear power, this book will be invaluable to mineral collectors and exploration geologists as well as to nuclear scientists and engineers interested in radioactive deposits.' --book jacket.