Composition of Some Uranium-Bearing Phosphate Nodules from Kansas Shales

Abstract

Detailed analyses of uranium-bearing phosphate nodules from 11 localities in eastern Kansas are reported. Seven Pennsylvanian shales were sampled. Graphs showing relationships between phosphate content and several constituents, including uranium, are presented. Combined evidence suggests that the nodules consist of collophane and dahllite with varying mixtures of impurities, primarily quartz and clay. The average composition of the 11 samples was 30.2 percent P₂O₅ 0.017 percent U₃O₈ and 3.2 percent fluorine.