Abernathyita
Abernathyita is a mineral with formula K(UO₂)₂(AsO₄)₂·4H₂O, in the Arseniatos group. This specimen comes from Mina Descuido Nº 12004, Los Baños de Sierra Alhamilla, Pechina, Almería, Andalucía, España and joined the Terrium collection in 2015.
Description
Yellow-green bladed crystals in crystallized gypsum (sericolite type). It stands out for its intense green fluorescence under UV light, visible even at the molecular level.
History of this specimen
An ultra-rare mineral in Spain. In 2017 it was mistakenly identified as metaheinrichite and then as metanovacekite, until an XRD analysis confirmed its identity as abernathyite by measuring the refractive index of the ordinary ray (1.59). The piece was collected by Meli during an extreme expedition to the mine, where it was necessary to descend with an oxygen mask because of the depth and ambient humidity; the lower part was partially flooded.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0070
- Internal reference
- T0003
- Composition
- K(UO₂)₂(AsO₄)₂·4H₂O
- Name
- Abernathyita
- Group
- Arseniatos
- Matrix
- Yeso (Sericolita)
- Mine
- Mina Descuido Nº 12004
- District / Municipality
- Los Baños de Sierra Alhamilla, Pechina
- Province
- Almería
- Region
- Andalucía
- Country
- España
- Size (cm)
- 4 x 3 x 1.5
- Weight
- 40 g
- Acquired
- 2015
- Ex-collection
- Meli
- Etymology
- €60–80, due to rarity, intense fluorescence, and an extreme geological context
- Quality
- Muy buena
- Value trend
- Al alza
Related specimens
- Abellaíta — España
- Abernathyita — España
- Abernathyita — España
- Adamita — México
- Adamita — México
- Adamita (Cuprífera) — Grecia
- Adamita — México
- Adamita — México