Blatonite is a rare uranyl carbonate mineral that typically forms as delicate, fibrous, or acicular yellow coatings on uranium-bearing host rocks. It is most frequently identified in the oxidation zones of uranium deposits and requires careful handling due to its radioactivity.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Blatonite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Pearly
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this blatonite?

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 blatonite with a known reference. Blatonite 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. Blatonite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Blatonite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: fibrous, acicular, radiating aggregates.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Blatonite leaves yellow, Liebigite leaves pale yellow; luster reads pearly on Blatonite and vitreous on Liebigite.

Compare →

Often found alongside blatonite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: UO₂CO₃·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 3.37 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Pale Yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Fibrous, Acicular, Radiating Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Uranium Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find blatonite

Classic worldwide localities

Blaton, Belgium
Jáchymov, Czech Republic
Lodève, France

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized uranium deposits country, the host setting where blatonite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, boltwoodite, gypsum in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fibrous, acicular, radiating aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify blatonite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, pale yellow.

Where is blatonite found?+

Notable localities include Blaton, Belgium; Jáchymov, Czech Republic; Lodève, France.

How much is blatonite worth?+

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

Is blatonite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. Contains uranium and is radioactive; handle with care, store in a lead-lined container, and wash hands thoroughly after contact. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like blatonite?+

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

What minerals are found with blatonite?+

Blatonite commonly co-occurs with Uraninite, Boltwoodite, Gypsum, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does blatonite form in?+

Blatonite typically forms in oxidized uranium deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is blatonite used for?+

Blatonite is used in collector.

Find blatonite on the map

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