Natrouranospinite is a rare uranyl arsenate mineral characterized by its distinctive yellow-green color and platy, micaceous habit. It is found in the oxidized zones of uranium-bearing hydrothermal veins and is highly prized by collectors for its strong fluorescence under ultraviolet light.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareMeta-autunite Group family

Natrouranospinite

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

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Is this natrouranospinite?

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 natrouranospinite with a known reference. Natrouranospinite 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. Natrouranospinite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Natrouranospinite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, micaceous aggregates.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside natrouranospinite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Na₂,Ca)(UO₂)₂(AsO₄)₂·5H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 3.32 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-green
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Micaceous Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Fluorescence: Bright Green Under SW UV
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Uranium Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find natrouranospinite

Classic worldwide localities

Schwarzwald, Germany
Jachymov, Czech Republic
Dalnegorsk, Russia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify natrouranospinite?+

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

Where is natrouranospinite found?+

Notable localities include Schwarzwald, Germany; Jachymov, Czech Republic; Dalnegorsk, Russia.

How much is natrouranospinite worth?+

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

Is natrouranospinite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. This mineral is radioactive and contains arsenic and uranium; handle with gloves, wash hands after handling, and store in a sealed container away from living areas. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like natrouranospinite?+

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

What minerals are found with natrouranospinite?+

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

What kind of rock does natrouranospinite form in?+

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

What is natrouranospinite used for?+

Natrouranospinite is used in collector.

Find natrouranospinite on the map

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