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 — Blatonite leaves yellow, Liebigite leaves pale yellow; luster reads pearly on Blatonite and vitreous on Liebigite.

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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 — that is 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.