Autunite is a radioactive secondary uranium mineral which crystalises in the orthorhombic system, meaning its crystals are most often shaped as small square or rectangular plates.
It is yellowish-green, and is fluorescent under ultraviolet light.
This mineral is named so after its type locality, which is Autun, France. The mineral was named in 1854. It is used as a lesser uranium ore.
Hardness 2-2.5, so is easily breakable in addition to the tiny size of separate crystals. Often crystallizes as masses in granite or pegmatite, often accompanied by other uranium minerals such as Meta-autunite, Torbernite, Saaleiete, Uranophane and Uraninite.
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