Dreyerite is a rare bismuth vanadate mineral that typically forms as small, bright yellow to orange-yellow platy crystals. It is most commonly found as a secondary mineral in the oxidized zones of uranium-vanadium deposits, often associated with other bismuth minerals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareScheelite Group family

Dreyerite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this dreyerite?

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 dreyerite with a known reference. Dreyerite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Dreyerite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Dreyerite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, orange-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: platy to tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside dreyerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: BiVO₄
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 6.8 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Orange-yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Platy to Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct On {111}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Uranium-vanadium Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and crystal quality

Where rockhounds find dreyerite

Classic worldwide localities

Uranium Ridge, Utah, USA
Gold Hill, Utah, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized uranium-vanadium deposits country — that is the host setting where dreyerite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, pyrite, gold in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy to tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify dreyerite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, orange-yellow.

Where is dreyerite found?+

Notable localities include Uranium Ridge, Utah, USA; Gold Hill, Utah, USA.

How much is dreyerite worth?+

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

Is dreyerite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains vanadium and bismuth. Do not inhale dust and wash hands thoroughly after handling as vanadium compounds can be toxic if ingested or inhaled. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like dreyerite?+

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

What minerals are found with dreyerite?+

Dreyerite commonly co-occurs with Uraninite, Pyrite, Gold. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does dreyerite form in?+

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

What is dreyerite used for?+

Dreyerite is used in collector.

Find dreyerite on the map

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