Albrechtschraufite is an exceptionally rare secondary uranium mineral that forms delicate, pearly-yellow tabular crystals. It is primarily found in the oxidized zones of uranium deposits and is highly prized by advanced mineral collectors due to its scarcity and distinct fluorescent properties.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Semitransparent

mineralrare

Albrechtschraufite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Semitransparent

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Is this albrechtschraufite?

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 albrechtschraufite with a known reference. Albrechtschraufite sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, radiating clusters.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Liebigite

Mohs 2-3

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Albrechtschraufite leaves white, Liebigite leaves yellow white.

Often found alongside albrechtschraufite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₄Mg(UO₂)₂(CO₃)₆F₂·17H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 2.6 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Semitransparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular crystals, radiating clusters
Cleavage: Perfect
Fluorescence: Bright yellow-green under UV
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: On a museum specimen of schröckingerite

Where rockhounds find albrechtschraufite

Classic worldwide localities

Jáchymov (Joachimsthal), Czech Republic

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: On a museum specimen of schröckingerite. If you start seeing schröckingerite, uraninite, dolomite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals, radiating clusters. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify albrechtschraufite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow green.

Where is albrechtschraufite found?+

Notable localities include Jáchymov (Joachimsthal), Czech Republic.

Is albrechtschraufite safe to handle?+

Albrechtschraufite contains uranium or thorium and calls for real care. Contains uranium and is radioactive; handle with gloves and wash hands thoroughly after contact. Do not inhale dust or ingest.

What rocks look like albrechtschraufite?+

Albrechtschraufite is most often confused with Liebigite, Andersonite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with albrechtschraufite?+

Albrechtschraufite commonly co-occurs with Schröckingerite, Uraninite, Dolomite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does albrechtschraufite form in?+

Where it forms: On a museum specimen of schröckingerite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is albrechtschraufite used for?+

Albrechtschraufite is used in collector.

Find albrechtschraufite on the map

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