Magnesiozippeite is a rare secondary uranium mineral that forms as thin, delicate crusts and acicular crystals in the oxidation zones of uranium deposits. It is most easily identified by its vibrant yellow-green fluorescence under shortwave UV light and its close association with other secondary uranium sulfates.
Is this magnesiozippeite?
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 magnesiozippeite with a known reference. Magnesiozippeite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Magnesiozippeite leaves a light yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Magnesiozippeite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, orange-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, earthy crusts, lath-like aggregates.
Often confused with
Magnesiozippeite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside magnesiozippeite
Minerals reported to co-occur with magnesiozippeite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mg(UO₂)₂(SO₄)₂(OH)₂·19H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 4.15 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light Yellow
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular Crystals, Earthy Crusts, Lath-like Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Fluorescence
- Bright Yellow-green Under UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Uranium-bearing Hydrothermal Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find magnesiozippeite
Classic worldwide localities
- Lucky Strike Mine, Utah, USA
- Jachymov, Czech Republic
- Musonoi Mine, DR Congo
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of uranium-bearing hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where magnesiozippeite typically forms. If you start seeing gypsum, johannite, uraninite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, earthy crusts, lath-like aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify magnesiozippeite?+
Where is magnesiozippeite found?+
How much is magnesiozippeite worth?+
Is magnesiozippeite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like magnesiozippeite?+
What minerals are found with magnesiozippeite?+
What kind of rock does magnesiozippeite form in?+
What is magnesiozippeite used for?+
Find magnesiozippeite on the map
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