Element 92 · Actinide
Uranium
Uranium powers nuclear reactors and (in its depleted form) anti-tank ammunition — strictly regulated globally.
Element Facts
SYMBOL
U
ATOMIC NO.
92
ATOMIC WEIGHT
238.03
CATEGORY
Actinide
PERIOD
Period 7
GROUP
Group 3
Discovery & History
Uranium was discovered as a new element in 1789 by Martin Heinrich Klaproth in pitchblende ore. First isolated in metallic form in 1841 by Eugène-Melchior Péligot. Named after the planet Uranus (discovered in 1781). Uranium oxide had been used in yellow and orange glass and ceramic glazes since at least 79 AD, as found in Roman mosaics. The discovery of radioactivity by Henri Becquerel in 1896 using uranium salts began the nuclear age. The Manhattan Project (1942–1945) harnessed uranium-235 fission for the first nuclear weapons and reactors.
Quick Overview
Uranium is element 92, the heaviest naturally occurring element. Uranium-235 fission powers nuclear reactors and weapons. Depleted uranium (mostly U-238 with most U-235 removed) is used for armour and anti-tank ammunition due to its extreme density.
Where It's Used
Nuclear reactor fuel (enriched uranium dioxide pellets in fuel rods). Depleted uranium armour and ammunition. Some specialist radiation shielding applications.
Can You Sell It?
Why QuickStop Metals doesn’t buy Uranium:
Uranium is one of the most strictly regulated substances on Earth — handled exclusively by licensed nuclear operators. No scrap market exists. Items historically made with uranium (some old ceramics, glassware with uranium pigments — "vaseline glass") may be radioactive at low levels but should never be processed in general scrap.
Price Guide
Uranium oxide concentrate (“yellowcake”, U₃O₈) trades at approximately £70–90/lb on the nuclear fuel market. Uranium is strictly controlled under IAEA safeguards, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and UK nuclear security legislation. It cannot be processed at a scrap yard.