Arsenuranylite is a rare secondary uranium mineral that typically forms as bright yellow, platy, or micaceous aggregates within the oxidation zones of uranium-bearing hydrothermal veins. Due to its radioactive nature and potential for toxic arsenic exposure, it is intended strictly for professional or experienced collector display.
Is this arsenuranylite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch arsenuranylite with a known reference. Arsenuranylite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Arsenuranylite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Arsenuranylite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, orange-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Arsenuranylite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside arsenuranylite
Minerals reported to co-occur with arsenuranylite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca(UO₂)₄(AsO₄)₂(OH)₄·10H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 4.67 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Crusts, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Uranium Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and association
Where rockhounds find arsenuranylite
Classic worldwide localities
- Shinkolobwe mine, DR Congo
- Jáchymov, Czech Republic
- Wheal Gorland, England
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized uranium deposits country — that is the host setting where arsenuranylite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, metazeunerite, billietite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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How much is arsenuranylite worth?+
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Find arsenuranylite on the map
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