Synthetic Fluorescent Mineral Experiment: Uranyl Based Fluorescence - UVa

FOV: 6" wide.

This experiment demonstrates the shift in color from yellow-green to blue-green of minerals containing the uranyl ion in conjunction with carbonates.

Uranyl nitrate was combined with NaCl and recrystallized on the glass rod. Behind it is a specimen of meta-autunite from the Daybreak Mine in Spokane WA, USA. Meta-autunite is a uranyl phosphate mineral.

Uranyl nitrate solution (0.25M) was combined with a sodium carbonate solution (1.25M) and was used to rehydrate some DAP Plaster of Paris mix which was set in a square mold.

Initially (when still wet), there was no fluorescence but after the calcium sulfate re-hydrated (and the mix produced CO2? bubbles), the resulting plaster fluoresced a bright blue-green, typical of carbonate based uranyl minerals. Behind the plaster square is a specimen with a coating of andersonite from Yellow Cat Mesa in Grant County UT, USA. Andersonite is a hydrated sodium calcium uranyl carbonate.

See:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andersonite
rruff.info/uploads/CM31_167.pdf

Contains:
Andersonite (FL Blue-green >BL/UVabc)
Meta Autunite (FL Yellow-green >BL/UVabc)

Shown under UVa light.

Key:
WL = White light (halogen + LED)
FL = Fluoresces
PHOS = Phosphorescent
Blue = 450nm,
UVa = 368nm (LW), UVb = 311nm (MW), UVc = 254nm (SW)
'>' = "stimulated by:", '!' = "bright", '~' = "dim"

Uranyl Based Fluorescence
6Nov2015

Much appreciation to Gordon Czop for the uranyl nitrate.

Series best viewed in Light Box mode using Right and Left arrows to navigate.
Photostream best viewed in Lightbox mode (in the dark).

18 Watt Triple Output UV lamp from Polman Minerals - Way Too Cool UV lamps

Flickr page for this photo.

Visit the Eye for Science Flickr group.

Get the "Eye for Science" widget here and install it on your own blog. Spread the scienticity!

Like this image? Want it for your smartphone wallpaper?
Use this QR Code to load it on your smartphone and enjoy!