Nielsbohrite is a rare uranyl arsenate mineral characterized by its bright yellow, prismatic crystal habit. It is found in hydrothermal vein systems and is primarily sought after by advanced collectors of radioactive minerals due to its scarcity.
Is this nielsbohrite?
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 nielsbohrite with a known reference. Nielsbohrite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nielsbohrite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Nielsbohrite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Nielsbohrite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Nielsbohrite leaves yellow, Autunite leaves pale yellow; luster reads vitreous on Nielsbohrite and pearly on Autunite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Nielsbohrite leaves yellow, Torbernite leaves pale green.
Often found alongside nielsbohrite
Minerals reported to co-occur with nielsbohrite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca(UO₂)₂(AsO₄)₂·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 3.85 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Distinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Uranium Veins
- Typical price
- $50-500 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find nielsbohrite
Classic worldwide localities
- Jáchymov, Czech Republic
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal uranium veins country — that is the host setting where nielsbohrite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, metatorbernite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find nielsbohrite on the map
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