Bijvoetite-(Y) is an extremely rare secondary uranium carbonate mineral found primarily in the oxidation zones of uranium deposits. Collectors typically look for its distinct yellow platy crystals or crusts, which exhibit notable fluorescence under ultraviolet light.
Is this bijvoetite-(y)?
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 bijvoetite-(y) with a known reference. Bijvoetite-(Y) sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bijvoetite-(Y) leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Bijvoetite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts.
Often confused with
Bijvoetite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside bijvoetite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with bijvoetite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Y₂(UO₂)₄(CO₃)₄(OH)₆·11H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 4.2 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Fluorescence
- Yellow Under UV Light
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Uranium Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500 for small thumbnail specimens
Where rockhounds find bijvoetite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Shinkolobwe Mine, DR Congo
- Musonoi Mine, DR Congo
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized uranium ore deposits country — that is the host setting where bijvoetite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, curite, dewindtite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify bijvoetite-(y)?+
Where is bijvoetite-(y) found?+
How much is bijvoetite-(y) worth?+
Is bijvoetite-(y) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like bijvoetite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with bijvoetite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does bijvoetite-(y) form in?+
What is bijvoetite-(y) used for?+
Find bijvoetite-(y) on the map
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