THORIANITE

thorium dioxide mineral (ThO2) that is very heavy, hard, and coloured dark gray to brownish black or bluish black. Originally found as waterworn grains and crystals in the gem gravels of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), thorianite also occurs sparsely in the black river and beach sands of Alaska, Madagascar, and Siberia. The refractory nature and scarcity of thorianite have restricted its commercial use as a source of thorium. It forms a solid-solution series with uraninite in which uranium atoms replace thorium atoms in the crystal structure. Rare earths and radiogenic lead and helium are often present. Varieties containing much uranium have been found in pegmatites in Quebec and Ontario and in serpentine at Easton, Pa. For detailed physical properties, see oxide mineral (table).