Meta-Autunite and Torbernite 'Green Garden' from Portugal
Contributed by: FMS Admin
Date: Mar 1st, 2026
Locality: Assunção Mine, Aldeia Nova, Ferreira de Aves, Sátão, Viseu, Portugal (See on Mindat)
Size: 62 x 46 x 80 mm
Weight: 136 g
Description:
Here is a beautiful mix of Autunite and Torbernite from the Assunçao Mine, Portugal.
There are several crystals of Meta-Autunite (yellow and yellow green) and some crystals of Torbernite (dark green) on a gray rock matrix. The specimen is well covered, and the matrix just pops up in a few little spots.
Meta-Autunite and Torbernite crystals have grown to form a sort of green garden.
Fluorescence is quite common in all Autunite and Meta-Autunite. It fluoresces the usual green under all wavelength and Torbernite does not fluoresce at all. Copper acts as a quencher of fluorescence.
The specimen is strongly radioactive. I measured about 60uSv/h at 10cm distance.
Originally posted by Stefano Buzzoni on Nature's Rainbows.
Summary of luminescence responses:
Autunite (Mindat) (RRUFF)
- Fluorescence under Longwave (365nm LED) UV light: Green
- Fluorescence under Midwave (305nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Green
- Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Green