Línekite is a very rare uranyl carbonate mineral typically occurring as thin, fragile platy crystals. It is primarily found in the secondary oxidation zones of uranium deposits and is prized by advanced radioactive mineral collectors for its vibrant fluorescence.
Is this línekite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch línekite with a known reference. Línekite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Línekite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Línekite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals.
Often confused with
Línekite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Línekite leaves yellow, Schröckingerite leaves pale yellow; luster reads vitreous on Línekite and pearly on Schröckingerite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Línekite leaves yellow, Andersonite leaves white.
Often found alongside línekite
Minerals reported to co-occur with línekite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₂NaCa₃[UO₂(CO₃)₃]₂F·8H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 3.32 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Fluorescence
- Bright Yellow-green Under UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per thumbnail specimen
Where rockhounds find línekite
Classic worldwide localities
- Jáchymov, Czech Republic
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where línekite typically forms. If you start seeing schröckingerite, metakahlerite, gypsum 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
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Find línekite on the map
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