autunite

[ awt-n-ahyt, oh-tuhn-ahyt ]

noun

1. a yellow mineral, a hydrous calcium uranium phosphate, CaU 2 P 2 O 12 ⋅8H 2 O, occurring in crystals as nearly square tablets: a minor ore of uranium.

autunite

/ ˈɔːtəˌnaɪt /

noun

1. a yellowish fluorescent radioactive mineral consisting of a hydrated calcium uranium phosphate in tetragonal crystalline form. It is found in uranium ores. Formula: Ca(UO 2 ) 2 (PO 4 ) 2 .10–12H 2 O

Word History and Origins

Origin of autunite¹

First recorded in 1850–55; named after Autun, a city in eastern France near source of supply; -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of autunite¹

C19: named after Autun in France, one of the places where it was found, + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

Autunite, a hydrous phosphate of uranium and calcium, crystallizing in the rhombic system in yellow plates.

From Project Gutenberg