Uranium in the form of yellowcake or U3O8

Uranium is a metal like gold or lead. It is unique because its physical properties give it the potential to generate incredible amounts of energy. It is a very common and abundant element found in most of the Earth's rock, soils, rivers and oceans. The soil of a typical Canadian backyard likely contains about half a pound of uranium. Trace amounts of it can be found in food and in your own body.

The chemical symbol for uranium is "U."

Where Did It Come From?
Physicists believe uranium originated in supernovae in space billions of years ago. Uranium is a common element and scientists believe heat from its radioactive decay deep underground helps keep the Earth's core in its molten state.

Uranium Discovered
Uranium was discovered in 1789 by German chemist Martin Klaproth while he was studying a mineral known as pitchblende. It was named after the planet Uranus which had been discovered eight years earlier. Uranium's unique properties were uncovered by succeeding generations of scientists including Polish-born physicist Marie Curie who coined the term "radioactive."

Uranium as Energy
Uranium's most useful property is that its atomic structure can be changed in a process that releases energy in the form of heat. Inside a nuclear reactor, this heat is harnessed to generate electricity without producing greenhouse gases.

Benefits of Uranium
Generating electricity is not the only benefit uranium offers. Uranium and other nuclear materials are also used for space exploration, food safety, medicine and other non-energy uses. Some remarkable medical uses for uranium and radiation in the treatment of cancer were pioneered right here in Saskatchewan.