Autunite
Ca(UO₂)₂(PO₄)₂·(10-12)H₂O
Uranyl phosphate mineral.
Properties
| Chemical formula | Ca(UO₂)₂(PO₄)₂·(10-12)H₂O |
|---|---|
| Elements | Ca, U, O, P, H |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic |
| Mohs hardness | — |
| Density | — |
| Streak | — |
| Color | — |
| IMA symbol | Aut |
| Nickel–Strunz class | 8.EB.05 |
“—” means no reliable value in Wikidata yet. Check Mindat for full data.
⚠ Handle With Care High caution
Why: A calcium uranyl phosphate. It is radioactive and glows bright green-yellow under UV. It slowly dehydrates and crumbles, which makes radioactive dust.
Safe handling: Store in a closed container in a ventilated place away from living areas, and label it. Don't keep it in pockets or bedrooms. Wash your hands after handling, never crush or grind it, and keep it away from children and pets. Keep it in a sealed box to slow dehydration.
Sources: Wikipedia: Autunite · ATSDR ToxFAQs: Uranium · Mindat: Autunite. General safety information only, not medical advice. More on safe handling.
✺ Glows under UV
| Longwave UV (~365 nm) | Bright green to lime green |
|---|---|
| Shortwave UV (~254 nm) | Bright green to lime green |
The glow comes from uranium (the uranyl ion). Autunite is radioactive: keep specimens in a closed container, wash your hands after handling, and never grind it.
Reactions vary by locality and specimen; many specimens of a fluorescent species do not glow. Shortwave UV can burn skin and damage eyes. Wear UV-blocking glasses, and never look into any UV lamp. Sources: Wikipedia: Autunite. More UV-reactive stones →
Learn more
- Autunite on Mindat.org
- Wikipedia article
- Wikidata item Q407345 (source of this page's data – you can correct it there)