4.5" Extremely Fluorescent Andersonite Aggregation - Uranium Based

Andersonite (Na2Ca(UO2)(CO3)3 · 6H2O) is a rare, secondary uranium carbonate mineral that forms as small bright to dull yellowish green colored translucent rhombohedral crystals, and as fine-grained druzy crystal aggregates. It is found in the oxidized zones of uranium-bearing hydrothermal polymetallic deposits, and can also be found coating the walls of mining tunnels following extended exposure to oxygen. It's known for its extreme fluorescence under both long and shortwave ultraviolet light.

Radiation Safety - Being a uranium based mineral, Andersonite is mildly radioactive. The specimens we measured put off between 0.5 and 4 µSv/hour with the detector right up against the specimen. This is the equivalent to around 3 to 24 times typical background radiation in a city. No increase in radiation could be measured a foot from the specimen.

While the level of emitted radiation shouldn't cause any concern for intermittent handling, it's probably advisable not to sleep with a specimen under your pillow night after night. Care should also be taken to avoid inhalation or ingestion of dust from these samples and washing hands after handling is also advisable.