Magnesioleydetite is a very rare uranyl carbonate mineral typically found as small, bright yellow tabular crystals. It is primarily known from the Shinkolobwe mine and requires careful handling due to its radioactive nature.
Is this magnesioleydetite?
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 magnesioleydetite with a known reference. Magnesioleydetite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Magnesioleydetite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Magnesioleydetite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Magnesioleydetite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Magnesioleydetite leaves yellow, Schröckingerite leaves pale yellow; luster reads vitreous on Magnesioleydetite and pearly on Schröckingerite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Magnesioleydetite leaves yellow, Liebigite leaves pale yellow.
Often found alongside magnesioleydetite
Minerals reported to co-occur with magnesioleydetite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mg(UO₂)₂(CO₃)₂(OH)₂·6H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 3.32 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Uranium-bearing Hydrothermal Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500 for high-quality micro-specimens
Where rockhounds find magnesioleydetite
Classic worldwide localities
- Shinkolobwe Mine (DR Congo)
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of uranium-bearing hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where magnesioleydetite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, soddyite, autunite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find magnesioleydetite on the map
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