Nickelzippeite is a rare secondary uranium mineral typically forming as vibrant yellow acicular or lath-like crystals in oxidized uranium ore deposits. It is known for its intense yellow-green fluorescence under ultraviolet light. Due to its radioactive nature, it is primarily sought after by advanced collectors of secondary uranium minerals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareZippeite Group family

Nickelzippeite

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

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Is this nickelzippeite?

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 nickelzippeite with a known reference. Nickelzippeite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nickelzippeite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Nickelzippeite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, orange-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, laths, crusts.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Nickelzippeite leaves yellow, Johannite leaves pale green; luster reads pearly on Nickelzippeite and vitreous on Johannite.

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Often found alongside nickelzippeite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ni(UO₂)₂(SO₄)(OH)₄·16H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 4.1 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Orange-yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Acicular Crystals, Laths, Crusts
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 nickelzippeite

Classic worldwide localities

Jachymov, Czech Republic
Great Bear Lake, Canada
Utah, USA
Colorado, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of uranium-bearing hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where nickelzippeite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, gypsum, jarosite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, laths, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify nickelzippeite?+

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

Where is nickelzippeite found?+

Notable localities include Jachymov, Czech Republic; Great Bear Lake, Canada; Utah, USA; Colorado, USA.

How much is nickelzippeite worth?+

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

Is nickelzippeite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. Radioactive mineral. Store in a sealed container, avoid skin contact and inhalation of dust; wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like nickelzippeite?+

Nickelzippeite is most often confused with Zippeite, Johannite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with nickelzippeite?+

Nickelzippeite commonly co-occurs with Uraninite, Gypsum, Jarosite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does nickelzippeite form in?+

Nickelzippeite typically forms in oxidized zones of uranium-bearing hydrothermal deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is nickelzippeite used for?+

Nickelzippeite is used in collector.

Find nickelzippeite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.