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Autunite

A species of Autunite Group, Also known as Calcium-Autunite

Autunite is famous for have radioactive properties, although its radioactivity is very low in a non-agitated state. It is still strongly discouraged to handle without proper protection, though! This mineral is rich in uranium, which is extracted to be used in nuclear reactors to create energy.

Hardness:

2 - 2.5

Density:

3.14 g/cm³

General Info About Autunite

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Physical Properties of Autunite

Luster

Pearly, Resinous, Waxy, Sub-vitreous

Diaphaneity

Transparent to translucent

Colors

Yellow, greenish-yellow, pale green, dark green, greenish black

Magnetism

Non-magnetic

Tenacity

Sectile

Cleavage

Perfect

Fracture

Micaceous

Streak

Pale yellow

Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Hardness

2 - 2.5 , Extremely soft

Density

3.14 g/cm³, Normal Weight

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Chemical Properties of Autunite

Chemical Classification

Phosphates

Formula

Ca(UO₂)₂(PO₄)₂ · 10-12H₂O

Elements listed

Ca, H, O, P, U

Common Impurities

Ba, Mg

Health Risk of Autunite

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What is the hazards of Autunite?

Harm Type

Radiativity

Autunite is toxic due to its Radioactivity.

Autunite contains radioactive uranium. Radioactivity should be assessed using a Geiger counter before handling. Inhalation of the dust, or keep them by your side for a long time will be hazardous. Keep them in a closed box and in an well-ventilated place. Wash your hand after handling them.

How to prevent the risks of Autunite?

Avoid inhaling its dust!

Avoid putting it into mouth!

Avoid skin contact!

Avoid long-term proximity!

Autunite contains radioactive uranium. It is recommended to use a Geiger counter to measure radiation levels before handling. Wear gloves and a mask to prevent skin and lung exposure to radioactive dust. Wash your hands and clothes after handling it. Store it in a closed box in a well-ventilated area away from people.

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Rarity

Rare

Characteristics of Autunite

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Characteristics of Autunite

If the mineral dries out, it can lose its water content and convert to meta-autunite-I, which can turn into meta-autunite-II after heating. These two subsequent minerals are very rare in nature. For scientific studies it is recommended to store the mineral in a sealed container to minimize the water loss. Museums are known to have covered the mineral with lacquer to avoid drying of the mineral.

Cultural Significance of Autunite

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Uses of Autunite

Autunite has a moderately high level of uranium in it, and it is therefore used an a uranium ore. Its products are used for nuclear fission and to make cathodes for photoelectric tubes. It can create a beautiful reddish-yellow pigment that was once used in ceramic glazes.

Distribution of Autunite

Mount Kit Carson, Washington

Researchers found autunite inside the Daybreak Mine on Mount Kit Carson, Spokane, Washington (or sometimes referred to as "near Mount Spokane"), in "vugs, fractures, and shear zones in granitic rock". These areas showed signs of another phosphate, apatite, which may have helped lead to the formation of autunite, by providing a source of phosphate and lime. The formation may have occurred with the interaction of uranium leached from a separate deposit.

90,000 lbs of U₃

O₈

were produced from nine properties, although most of the ore came from the Daybreak Mine.

Other locations

One of the other locations of autunite includes Autun, France, the type locality and namesake of the mineral. The mineral was formed there as an alteration of uraninite and other uranium bearing minerals. Autunite is also found in Cornwall, Saxony, and North and South Dakota.

Etymology of Autunite

Autunite was named after the town of Autun, France, where the mineral was initially found. The mineral was named by Henry J. Brooke and William H. Miller in 1854. The archaic name "calco-uranite" pairs with the similarly composed mineral, torbernite, which was named "cupro-uranite". Both minerals are named due to their uranium content, with autunite's name referring to its calcium (calco), and torbernite's copper (cupro) quantity.