Adolfpateraite is a very rare uranyl sulfate mineral originally discovered in the historic silver-mining district of Jáchymov. Collectors will typically find it as small, vibrant yellow crystals associated with other uranium-bearing minerals in hydrothermal vein deposits.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellowish-white

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Adolfpateraite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellowish-white
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this adolfpateraite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch adolfpateraite with a known reference. Adolfpateraite sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Adolfpateraite leaves a yellowish-white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Adolfpateraite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular to prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

Adolfpateraite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Johannite

Mohs 2

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Adolfpateraite leaves yellowish-white, Johannite leaves pale green.

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Often found alongside adolfpateraite

Minerals reported to co-occur with adolfpateraite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: K(UO₂)(SO₄)(OH)·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 3.37 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-green
Streak: Yellowish-white
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular to Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find adolfpateraite

Classic worldwide localities

Jachymov (Czech Republic)

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where adolfpateraite typically forms. If you start seeing johannite, gypsum, andersonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular to prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify adolfpateraite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is yellowish-white. Common colors include yellow, yellow-green.

Where is adolfpateraite found?+

Notable localities include Jachymov (Czech Republic).

How much is adolfpateraite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is adolfpateraite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. Contains uranium and is radioactive. Handle with gloves, avoid inhalation of dust, and store in a sealed container away from living areas. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like adolfpateraite?+

Adolfpateraite is most often confused with Johannite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with adolfpateraite?+

Adolfpateraite commonly co-occurs with Johannite, Gypsum, Andersonite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does adolfpateraite form in?+

Adolfpateraite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is adolfpateraite used for?+

Adolfpateraite is used in collector.

Find adolfpateraite on the map

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