Metamunirite, Zippeite and Andersonite crystals, UV-reactive, from the D-Day Mine, Utah, USA – 1 full size flat as unique
This full size flat features Metamunirite, Zippeite and Andersonite crystals from the classic D-Day Mine in Utah, USA. The crystals occur as yellow to yellow-green coatings, crust-like aggregates and fine crystalline growths on a light to grey matrix, which is typical for this locality. Under UV light, the specimens show a distinct reaction, with Andersonite in particular displaying an intense fluorescence that visually highlights the mineralogical composition in an especially impressive way. The flat brings together a varied selection of specimens with clearly recognizable crystal areas, differentiated textures and a characteristic color distribution. The illustrated full size flat shows exactly the collection offered.
Geology & Origin
The D-Day Mine is located in the well-known uranium district of Utah and is famous for secondary uranium minerals such as Metamunirite, Zippeite and Andersonite. These minerals form as weathering and oxidation products of primary uranium ores in arid to semi-arid climatic environments. Formation occurs through uranium-bearing solutions reacting with phosphates, sulfates and carbonates. Andersonite commonly forms as a late-stage secondary mineral and is especially known for its strong UV fluorescence. The locality is considered one of the classic sites for fluorescent uranium minerals and is highly regarded worldwide by collectors and mineralogists.