Autunite

/ɔːˈtjuːnaɪt/ noun

Definition

A radioactive yellow or green mineral containing calcium, uranium, and phosphorus, often found near uranium deposits.

Etymology

Named after Autun, a city in France where the mineral was first identified. A mineralogical term from the 19th century.

Kelly Says

Autunite glows bright green under ultraviolet light due to its uranium content—mineral collectors prize it, but it's radioactive enough that museums have to handle specimens carefully, making it a mineral that's beautiful but genuinely dangerous to handle.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.