Autunite specimens, which transform into meta-autunite by losing naturally water molecules, from this Portuguese mine are among the most aesthetically pleasing in the world due to their intense yellow-greenish colour, transparence, and luster. In this specimen we can observe numerous aggregates of tabular crystals, some isolated and contrasting on the stalactitic matrix. SEM-EDS analyzes have been carried out confirming the presence of Mg, but in a very small amount. Fluorescence under LW-UV light is exceptional.

Size: 3.6 x 2.4 x 1.4 cm.
Found in ±2015.

Fluorescent under long wave UV

If the autunite (meta-autunite) specimens from this Portuguese mine are among the most aesthetic in the world due to their intense greenish-yellow colour, transparency and brilliance, they also stand out for being sometimes accompanied by another even more interesting species: phurcalite. It is also a hydrated calcium phosphate like autunite, but with a different structure and belonging to the phosphuranylite group (autunite is part of the autunite group).
In the analysis we have carried out by SEM-EDS (photo attached) the presence of the two phosphates becomes evident: the autunite as tabular crystals, while phurcalite appears as elongated prisms with defined terminal faces, which without magnification resemble needles. Apart from the appearance of the crystals, autunite usually has an intense greenish-yellow color and phurcalite is slightly orange-yellow. Also indicate that phurcalite does not usually fluoresce, while autunite is highly fluorescent. As we have indicated, sometimes the phurcalite is associated with autunite, so the fluorescence we see is that of the autunite. We will send analytical results to the buyer.

Size: 3.2 x 3.1 x 2.8 cm.
Found in ±2015.

Fluorescent under long wave UV

Autunite specimens, which transform into meta-autunite by losing naturally water molecules, from this Portuguese mine are among the most aesthetically pleasing in the world due to their intense yellow-greenish colour, transparence, and luster. In this specimen we can observe numerous aggregates of tabular crystals on matrix. SEM-EDS analyzes have been carried out confirming the presence of Mg, but in a very small amount. Fluorescence under LW-UV light is exceptional.

Size: 3.3 x 2.7 x 2.1 cm.
Found in ±2015.

Fluorescent under long wave UV

If the autunite (meta-autunite) specimens from this Portuguese mine are among the most aesthetic in the world due to their intense greenish-yellow colour, transparency and brilliance, they also stand out for being sometimes accompanied by another even more interesting species: phurcalite. It is also a hydrated calcium phosphate like autunite, but with a different structure and belonging to the phosphuranylite group (autunite is part of the autunite group).
In the analysis we have carried out by SEM-EDS (photo attached) the presence of the two phosphates becomes evident: the autunite as tabular crystals, while phurcalite appears as elongated prisms with defined terminal faces, which without magnification resemble needles. Apart from the appearance of the crystals, autunite usually has an intense greenish-yellow color and phurcalite is slightly orange-yellow. Also indicate that phurcalite does not usually fluoresce, while autunite is highly fluorescent. As we have indicated, sometimes the phurcalite is associated with autunite, so the fluorescence we see is that of the autunite. We will send analytical results to the buyer.

Size: 6.6 x 3 x 2.3 cm.
Found in ±2015.

Fluorescent under long wave UV

Autunite specimens, which transform into meta-autunite by losing naturally water molecules, from this Portuguese mine are among the most aesthetically pleasing in the world due to their intense yellow-greenish colour, transparence, and luster. In this specimen we can observe numerous aggregates of tabular crystals, some isolated and contrasting on the quartz matrix. SEM-EDS analyzes have been carried out confirming the presence of Mg, but in a very small amount. Fluorescence under LW-UV light is exceptional.

Size: 6.7 x 4.2 x 3 cm.
Main crystal: 5 x 4 mm.
Found in ±2015.

Fluorescent under long wave UV

A very good size specimen formed by several vugs covered by rosettes of hureaulite crystals with a tabular shape. Crystals are transparent to translucent, well-defined and with a very characteristic light brown color. The matrix is formed by other phosphates such as rockbridgeite, almost black in color. Specimens of this quality and with this size are not easy to find. A museum piece.

Size: 10.6 x 10.5 x 5.8 cm.

Good size specimen from this classic Portuguese mine. On a quartz matrix numerous dipyramidal crystals of torbernite (metatorbernite) are disposed, green in color, opaque. They have a protective treatment to prevent dehydration.

Size: 9.5 x 6.4 x 6 cm.

Col. Erich Laskowski.
Presents radioactive activity.

Groups of tabular saléeite to metasaléeite crystal aggregates, with a characteristic greenish-yellow color, transparent to translucent, due to the loss of water. The shade is much more greenish than the autunite.

 

Size: 6.0 x 5.4 x 4.6 cm.
Main crystal: 3 x 2 mm.
Found in ca. 1990.

Col. J.M. Manchión (Barcelona). Label Joan Viñals.

Groups of autunite tabular crystals with an intense and characteristic yellow color, brilliance, transparent, some of them growing epitaxial on torbernite (metatorbernite). They are disposed covering cavities of a matrix of goethite. An old specimen from a classic Portuguese locality.

Size: 7.3 x 6.8 x 4.5 cm.
Found in 1980's.

Fluorescent under LWUV and SWUV
Presents radioactive activity.