Autunite . Daybreak Mine (Dahl Lease), Mount Kit Carson. Spokane County. Washington, USA. ...

Description

Autunite
Daybreak Mine (Dahl Lease), Mount Kit Carson
Spokane County
Washington, USA

Named in the 1850's for the Autun region of Burgundy in France, Autunite is a commonly found mineral associated with Uranium deposits worldwide. Virtually all of these occurrences feature undistinguished and microscopic examples of the highly fluorescent mineral. Of the few localities that contain large and fine examples of this attractive mineral, the material from the Mt. Spokane area in Washington State is acknowledged to be both highly distinctive and exceptional. The fan-shaped aggregates of crystals have been famous ever since their discovery during the 1950's Uranium "boom". All of the extant material came from this time period. The exceptionally large and fine aggregate seen here dates from that period, and it shows both the "fan" style of habit as well as the more typical one comprised of random thin tablets of square outline. The color ranges from a light yellowish chartreuse shown by the thin, bladed material, to a deeper green with yellow edging displayed by the bodies of the larger crystal aggregates. There is a very small amount of a tan, kaolinitic material on the obverse, but no matrix as such. The condition is quite excellent, which is very atypical for surviving specimens from this era and locale. There is an accession number on the obverse "EMG 126", which is in accord with the specimen having been part of the noted E. Mitchell Gunnell Collection although there is no accompanying label to confirm this. All in all, this is an exceptionally fine specimen when compared to other surviving examples and considered on a worldwide basis. This top example comes with a custom acrylic base. It should be pointed out that Autunite is radioactive and should always be handled with care as flakes and dust could present a potential hazard, if inhaled.
Measurements: 4.75 x 2.73 x 1.55 inches (12.06 x 6.93 x 3.93 cm)

Provenance: Keith Proctor, Ex. E. Mitchell Gunnell [Hoppel #D1141]

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