When most people think of uranium, they might picture a glowing green substance from Hollywood movies, yellowcake used in nuclear energy production, or radiation from nuclear power plant accidents like Chernobyl. Some may also be familiar with radiation detection tools like the Geiger counter, which detects ionizing radiation.
However, Geiger counters only measure the presence of radiation, not its intensity. A scintillometer, on the other hand, not only detects radiation but also accurately measures the amount of radiation emitted or received. To simplify, think of a flashlight—all flashlights emit light, but the distance they illuminate depends on their power. Similarly, while Geiger counters detect radiation, scintillometers provide more precise intensity readings. These tools are highly sensitive and can detect even low radiation levels, making them excellent for uranium exploration.
If you’re searching for new uranium deposits, a scintillometer is an essential tool—along with a geologist who knows how to interpret the data (or should we say listen for the pings that indicate ionizing radiation)!
A Brief History of Scintillometers in Uranium Exploration
A look into the history of uranium and thorium exploration in the U.S. reveals a fascinating connection to the United States Atomic Energy Commission (AEC). In the 1950s, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the AEC worked together to support the United Nations International Conference on Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy, hosted in Geneva, Switzerland.
Leading up to this event, the U.S. conducted one of the most intensive studies of any mineral in its history—focused on the exploration and extraction of uranium. This research also helped advance nuclear fission technology, which relies on an adequate supply of radioactive raw materials.
Where is Uranium Found?
Uranium is one of the most common elements in the Earth’s crust and can be found almost anywhere. However, the challenge lies in finding deposits that are economically viable to extract.
One of the richest uranium regions in the U.S. is the Colorado Plateau, which spans 336,000 square kilometers across Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. This region contains over 1,000 documented uranium occurrences, most of which are sandstone-type deposits.
However, hard rock uranium vein deposits are much rarer. As someone with a geology background in underground narrow-vein gold mining, I find these deposits particularly interesting. A notable example is the Schwartzwalder Mine in Golden, Colorado, which produced 9.6 million pounds of uranium concentrate at an average grade of 0.6% U₃O₈. The mine operated from 1953 to 2000, reaching a depth of 1,500 feet.
Other hard rock uranium vein deposits can be found in Central City, Colorado, and Marysvale, Utah.
Further Reading & References
For those interested in diving deeper into uranium deposits and geophysical prospecting, these USGS reports provide valuable information:
- USGS Report 359, Page 38 – Pitchblende Ores
- USGS Report 300, Pages 98-100 – Uranium-Bearing Vein Deposits in the United States
- USGS Report 300, Page 624 – Geophysical Prospecting – Scintillometers
- USGS Report 520 – Geology and Uranium Deposits of the Ralston Buttes District, Jefferson County, Colorado
Final Thoughts
Scintillometers have played a critical role in uranium exploration and continue to be essential tools for geologists today. Their ability to detect low radiation levels with precision makes them superior to Geiger counters in field exploration. If you’re involved in uranium prospecting, a scintillometer should be one of your go-to instruments!
💡 Let’s uncover your next big discovery. Contact Burgex today to see how we can support your exploration goals!