Autunite is a greenish yellow fluorescent mineral. The crystals of this mineral often occur in tabular square form as it has a tetragonal crystal system. The uranium content causes this ore to have radioactive properties. This mineral tends to dry out forming meta-autunite-I, which in turn can be heated and converted into meta-autunite-II. Due to this reason, Autunite is stored in tightly sealed containers preventing it from drying out.

Autunite Distinguishing Features

Autunite can be identified by its fluorescent greenish yellow color. The nitric acid (HNO₃) solution of this mineral reacts with sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) to produce precipitation of calcium sulfate (CaSO₄). This reaction is useful for confirming the calcium content of this crystal.

Autunite Composition

This hydrous calcium uranium phosphate mineral contains:

• Uranium trioxide (UO ₃): 58.0%
• Calcium oxide (CaO): 5.7%
• Phosphorus pentoxide (P ₂ O ₅): 14.4%
• Water (H ₂ O): 21.9%

Picture 1 – Autunite

Autunite Formula

The formula for this mineral ore is Ca (UO₂)₂(PO₄)₂·10-12H₂O.

Autunite Properties

Here are some of the basic properties of this radioactive mineral:

Appearance: It has a crystallized and transparent appearance.

Color: This fluorescent mineral is greenish yellow in color.

Molecular Weight: The molecular weight of this material is 986.26 gm/mol.

Crystal System: its crystal system is tetragonal.

Fracture: The crystals of this material are uneven.

Hardness: The hardness of this mineral ranges between 2 to 2.5 on the Mohs scale.

Luster: These crystals have vitreous-pearly luster.

Specific Gravity: The specific gravity of this substance is somewhere between 3.1 and 3.2.

Streak: The streak of Autunite is pale yellow.

Radioactivity: This mineral has radioactive properties.

Autunite Mineral Occurrence

It is mainly found in uranium-bearing pegmatites around the world. This mineral was first discovered near Autun, France in 1852. Presently it is found from the Daybreak Mine near Mount Spokane in Washington. Spruce Pine in North Carolina is another rich source of this material. It is also mined in Urgeiriça and Trancoso in Portugal and Mt. Painter in South Australia.

Autunite Uses

This radioactive mineral is a fairly rich source of uranium with approximately 48.27% uranium content. Due to this reason it is used as a uranium ore in various industries. It is also used as a mineral specimen.

Autunite Availability

This crystallized mineral is available at mineral stores all over the world. One can also buy it online. The price for this mineral depends on the purity of the product.

Autunite is an important mineral used in various industries. The fact that it is available all over the world makes it even more applicable for the purpose of producing uranium.

References
1. Geologyscience.com
2. http://www.answers.com/topic/autunite
3. http://webmineral.com/data/Autunite.shtml