, a dense, olive-green to black powder that is chemically stable and suitable for long-distance transport. Unlike uranium dioxide ( UO2cap U cap O sub 2
), which is the actual material used inside most nuclear reactors, U3O8cap U sub 3 cap O sub 8 , a dense, olive-green to black powder that
is the preferred form for storage and transport because it does not oxidize easily. It represents the standard "raw material" stage of the nuclear industry; when market analysts discuss "uranium prices," they are almost always referring to the price per pound of U3O8cap U sub 3 cap O sub 8 Processing and Conversion U3O8cap U sub 3 cap O sub 8 Global Significance The production of U3O8cap U sub
Nuclear Industrial Purpose: Thorium-Bearing Fuels - StudyCorgi Enrichment : The concentration of the fissile isotope
: Finally, the enriched uranium is converted back into a solid oxide ( UO2cap U cap O sub 2 ) and formed into fuel pellets. Global Significance The production of U3O8cap U sub 3 cap O sub 8
is tied directly to the growth of nuclear power capacity. It remains one of the few minerals whose refined state is so stable that it can be stored indefinitely as a strategic energy reserve. In summary, U3O8cap U sub 3 cap O sub 8
: The powder is converted into uranium hexafluoride ( UF6cap U cap F sub 6 ), a gas used in the enrichment process. Enrichment : The concentration of the fissile isotope is increased.