Becquerelite is a striking secondary uranium mineral that forms beautiful, bright yellow to amber-colored tabular crystals. It is primarily found in the oxidized zones of uranium deposits as an alteration product of uraninite. Collectors value it for its vibrant color, though it requires strict safety protocols due to its radioactivity.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Becquerelite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this becquerelite?

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 becquerelite with a known reference. Becquerelite 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. Becquerelite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Becquerelite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, amber, orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, platy, radiating aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Curite

Mohs 4-5

How to tell apart: Curite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4-5 vs. 2.5); streak differs — Becquerelite leaves yellow, Curite leaves orange.

How to tell apart: Soddyite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); luster reads adamantine on Becquerelite and vitreous on Soddyite.

How to tell apart: Kasolite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4-5 vs. 2.5); luster reads adamantine on Becquerelite and greasy on Kasolite.

Compare →

Often found alongside becquerelite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca(UO₂)₆O₄(OH)₆·8H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 5.1-5.3 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Amber Orange
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Platy, Radiating Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Uranium-bearing Hydrothermal Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 thumbnail, $300-2000 cabinet

Where rockhounds find becquerelite

Classic worldwide localities

Shinkolobwe Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Musonoi Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Wölsendorf, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of uranium-bearing hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where becquerelite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, soddyite, kasolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, platy, radiating aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify becquerelite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, amber, orange.

Where is becquerelite found?+

Notable localities include Shinkolobwe Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Musonoi Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Wölsendorf, Germany.

How much is becquerelite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 thumbnail, $300-2000 cabinet. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is becquerelite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. This mineral contains uranium and is highly radioactive. Always store in a lead-lined container, avoid direct skin contact, and do not inhale dust during handling; wash hands thoroughly after touch. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like becquerelite?+

Becquerelite is most often confused with Curite, Soddyite, Kasolite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with becquerelite?+

Becquerelite commonly co-occurs with Uraninite, Soddyite, Kasolite, Curite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does becquerelite form in?+

Becquerelite typically forms in oxidized zones of uranium-bearing hydrothermal deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is becquerelite used for?+

Becquerelite is used in collector.

Find becquerelite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.