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

mineralrarenull family

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 — 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 — that is 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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