Deliensite is a rare secondary uranium mineral that forms thin, platy, pearly yellow crystals in the oxidized zones of uranium deposits. It is primarily known for its association with other secondary uranyl minerals found at the Shinkolobwe mine.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Deliensite

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

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Is this deliensite?

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 deliensite with a known reference. Deliensite 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. Deliensite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Deliensite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Uranopilite

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Deliensite leaves yellow, Uranopilite leaves pale yellow.

Often found alongside deliensite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Fe(UO₂)₂(SO₄)₂(OH)₂·7H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 3.32 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-green
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Crusts
Cleavage: Perfect in One Direction
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Uranium-rich Hydrothermal Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find deliensite

Classic worldwide localities

Shinkolobwe Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of uranium-rich hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where deliensite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, masuyite, soddyite 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 deliensite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-green.

Where is deliensite found?+

Notable localities include Shinkolobwe Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

How much is deliensite 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 deliensite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. This mineral is radioactive and contains uranium; handle with extreme caution, store in a lead-lined container, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not inhale dust or allow to contact skin. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like deliensite?+

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

What minerals are found with deliensite?+

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

What kind of rock does deliensite form in?+

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

What is deliensite used for?+

Deliensite is used in collector.

Find deliensite on the map

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