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 — that is 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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