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Radioactive deposits of Nevada

Bulletin 1009-C
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https://doi.org/10.3133/b1009C

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Abstract

Thirty-five occurrences of radioactive rocks had been reported from Nevada prior to 1952. Twenty-five of these had been investigated by personnel of the U. S. Geological Surveyor of the U. S. Atomic Energy Commission. Of those investigated, uranium minerals were identified at 13 sites; two sites contained a thorium mineral (monazite); the source of radioactivity on nine properties was not ascertained, and one showed no abnormal radioactivity. Of the other reported occurrences, one is said to contain uraniferous hydrocarbons and nine are placers containing thorian monazite. Pitchblende occurs at two localities, the East Walker River area, and the Stalin's Present prospect, where it is sparsely disseminated in tabular bodies cutting granitic rocks. Other uranium minerals found in the state include: carnotite, tyuyamunite, autunite, torbernite, gummite, uranophane, kasolite, and an unidentified mineral which may be dumontite. Monazite is the only thorium mineral of possible economic importance that has been reported. From an economic standpoint, only four of the properties examined showed reserves of uranium ore in 1952; these are: the Green Monster mine, which shipped 5 tons of ore to Marysvale, Utah, during 1951; the Majuba Hill mine; the Stalin's Present prospect; and the West Willys claim in the Washington district. No estimate has been made of thorium reserves and no commercial deposits of thorium are known.

Suggested Citation

Lovering, T., 1954, Radioactive deposits of Nevada: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 1009, p. 63-106, https://doi.org/10.3133/b1009C.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Radioactive deposits of Nevada
Series title Bulletin
Series number 1009
Chapter C
ISBN 0607638176
DOI 10.3133/b1009C
Year Published 1954
Language ENGLISH
Description p. 63-106
Larger Work Type Report
Larger Work Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Larger Work Title Contributions to the geology of uranium, 1953-54
Additional publication details