Bergenite is a rare secondary uranium phosphate mineral that typically occurs as small tabular crystals or radiating sprays in hydrothermal deposits. It is highly valued by radioactive mineral collectors for its vibrant yellow color and strong fluorescence under ultraviolet light.
Is this bergenite?
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 bergenite with a known reference. Bergenite 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. Bergenite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Bergenite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, radiating aggregates, crusts.
Often confused with
Bergenite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Bergenite leaves yellow, Autunite leaves pale yellow; luster reads vitreous on Bergenite and pearly on Autunite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Bergenite leaves yellow, Torbernite leaves pale green.
Often found alongside bergenite
Minerals reported to co-occur with bergenite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ba₂Ca(UO₂)₄(PO₄)₂(OH)₄·12H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 4.87 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Radiating Aggregates, Crusts
- Cleavage
- Good
- Fluorescence
- Bright Yellow Under SW UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per thumbnail specimen
Where rockhounds find bergenite
Classic worldwide localities
- Wölsendorf, Germany
- Gellivare, Sweden
- Schneeberg, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where bergenite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, fluorite, barite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, radiating aggregates, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify bergenite?+
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How much is bergenite worth?+
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Find bergenite on the map
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