Heisenbergite is a secondary uranium mineral characterized by its distinctive yellow color and platy, micaceous habit. It is found in the oxidized zones of uranium-rich ore deposits and is highly prized by collectors for its strong fluorescence under ultraviolet light.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Heisenbergite

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

No image

Is this heisenbergite?

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 heisenbergite with a known reference. Heisenbergite 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. Heisenbergite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Heisenbergite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy or micaceous aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Autunite

Mohs 2-2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Heisenbergite leaves yellow, Autunite leaves pale yellow.

Often found alongside heisenbergite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: UO₂(OH)₂·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 3.5-3.8 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Platy or Micaceous Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Fluorescence: Bright Green Under UV Light
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Uranium Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity

Where rockhounds find heisenbergite

Classic worldwide localities

Joachimsthal, Czech Republic
Shinkolobwe, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Great Bear Lake, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized uranium deposits country — that is the host setting where heisenbergite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, gummite, boltwoodite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy or micaceous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify heisenbergite?+

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

Where is heisenbergite found?+

Notable localities include Joachimsthal, Czech Republic; Shinkolobwe, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Great Bear Lake, Canada.

How much is heisenbergite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is heisenbergite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. This mineral is both radioactive and toxic due to its uranium content. Handle with gloves, keep in a sealed container, and wash hands thoroughly after contact; avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like heisenbergite?+

Heisenbergite is most often confused with Autunite, Meta-autunite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with heisenbergite?+

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

What kind of rock does heisenbergite form in?+

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

What is heisenbergite used for?+

Heisenbergite is used in collector.

Find heisenbergite on the map

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