Bariandite from Oklo - Vanadium Mineral with Uranium Dusting

This specimen of bariandite, a rare hydrated manganese vanadate, originates from the Oklo natural nuclear reactor zone in Gabon — the only place on Earth where natural nuclear fission occurred nearly 2 billion years ago. Bariandite is often formed as a secondary alteration product while the reactor’s shutdown phase was in process.

This piece represents a remnant of Earth’s only prehistoric nuclear fission site — a renowned geological anomaly with no known equal anywhere else on the planet!

Specifications:

• Riker case size: 8 1/4" X 6 1/4" X 7/8"
• Specimen size: 15mm H x 11mm W x 7mm D
• Disk size: 1 3/4" diameter X 1/2" D
• Note: Display stand and sizing cube not included.
• Chemistry: Bariandite: Mn²⁺(V⁵⁺O₄)(OH)·nH₂O, Francevillite: (Ba,Pb)(UO₂)₂(VO₄)₂·5H₂O

What's Included:

• Certificate of Authenticity
• A Scientific Paper about the Oklo Natural Nuclear Reactors and some information about Bariandite/ Francevillite, dusting of various uranium minerals.
• A Copy of the Oklo natural nuclear reactor zone map sites. 
• NOTE: Specimens are priced by size. The artwork was printed in-color on professional quality Epson paper. 

Radiation Safety

While bariandite itself is not inherently radioactive, this specimen registers at ~0.45 µSv/h due to a light dusting of uranium-bearing minerals — a common occurrence in material collected from the Oklo mining district.

• Safe for short-term handling 
• Radiation verified with GQ GMC-800 Geiger counter

Collector Notes

• Origin: Oklo, Franceville Basin, Gabon
• Mineral Type: Hydrated manganese vanadate
• Chemical Formula: Mn²⁺₄V⁵⁺₂O₁₁·4H₂O
• Color: Dark brown to black, matte luster

Rarity & Significance

• Scientific Significance: ★★★★★
• Market Availability: ★
• Radiation Level: ★★★
• Display Appeal: ★★★★★

A Prize for Geology Collections

A rare mineral from Earth’s only known natural nuclear reactor. This bariandite specimen from Oklo, Gabon carries a trace uranium dusting; a must-have for collectors of rare geological specimens.

Certificate of Authenticity, a scientific paper about the Oklo Natural Nuclear Reactors and some information about Bariandite/ Francevillite, uranium minerals and a copy of the Oklo natural nuclear reactor zone map sites.