Deloryite is a rare secondary uranium mineral typically found as small, green, platy crystals in oxidized zones. It is highly sought after by collectors of radioactive minerals for its distinct aesthetic and composition, primarily occurring at the Shinkolobwe mine.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Pale Green

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Deloryite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Pale Green
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this deloryite?

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 deloryite with a known reference. Deloryite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Deloryite leaves a pale green streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Deloryite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: green, brownish-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Malachite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Deloryite leaves pale green, Malachite leaves light green.

Often found alongside deloryite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₄(UO₂)(OH)₆(MoO₄)
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 4.4 g/cm³
Colors: Green Brownish-green
Streak: Pale Green
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zone of Uranium-rich Hydrothermal Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find deloryite

Classic worldwide localities

Shinkolobwe mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zone of uranium-rich hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where deloryite typically forms. If you start seeing soddyite, curite, becquerelite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify deloryite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is pale green. Common colors include green, brownish-green.

Where is deloryite found?+

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

How much is deloryite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is deloryite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. Contains uranium and copper. Handle with care, wash hands after touching, and store in a sealed container away from living areas to minimize inhalation of dust or potential radon gas accumulation. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like deloryite?+

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

What minerals are found with deloryite?+

Deloryite commonly co-occurs with Soddyite, Curite, Becquerelite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does deloryite form in?+

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

What is deloryite used for?+

Deloryite is used in collector.

Find deloryite on the map

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