Autunite: Nanjingqiao Uranium mine, Pingjiang Co., Yueyang, Hunan, China

Description

Species: Autunite
Locality: Nanjingqiao Uranium mine, Pingjiang Co., Yueyang, Hunan, China
Dimensions: 5.4 x 4.2 x 6.7 cm.

Fine autunite specimens from a hence-unknown Chinese uranium mine called Nanjingqiao located in Hunan Province began appearing sporadically on the mineral market around seven or so years ago. Initially they were limited in number and often quite expensive, but their excellent green to yellow color and often large size and well-defined crystals instantly made them important example of this popular uranium-bearing mineral. Recently I was pleased to obtain a nice lot of colorful and *inexpensive* examples directly from the mine. This is material that was held back from the major find around five years ago. These specimens feature vivid color and VERY bright fluorescence under ultraviolet light (all wavelengths!), perhaps the brightest fluorescence I have seen in any mineral!! These specimens are fairly HOT as well and get a strong reading from my Ludlum Model 3 Counter with the 44-9 Probe. A great opportunity to get an attractive and inexpensive example of an important find for autunite!