Péligotite is a very rare uranyl sulfate mineral that typically forms as a secondary mineral in oxidized uranium ore deposits. It is best identified by its distinct yellow color and occurrence as thin, platy crystals or crusts associated with other uranium-bearing minerals like zippeite.
Is this péligotite?
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 péligotite with a known reference. Péligotite sits at Mohs ~2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: pale yellow-green.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts.
Often confused with
Péligotite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside péligotite
Minerals reported to co-occur with péligotite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₆(UO₂)(SO₄)₄(H₂O)₄
- Mohs hardness
- ~2.5
- Density
- 2.88 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale yellow-green
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy crystals, crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Fluorescence
- Bright bluish green fluorescence under SW & LW UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- As efflorescent crusts on mine walls, formed by hydration-oxidation weathering of primary uranium minerals (mainly uraninite) by acidic solutions from the decomposition of sulfides
Where rockhounds find péligotite
Classic worldwide localities
- Blue Lizard mine, Red Canyon, White Canyon district, San Juan County, Utah, USA
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: As efflorescent crusts on mine walls, formed by hydration-oxidation weathering of primary uranium minerals (mainly uraninite) by acidic solutions from the decomposition of sulfides. If you start seeing blödite, bluelizardite, bobcookite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify péligotite?+
Where is péligotite found?+
Is péligotite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like péligotite?+
What minerals are found with péligotite?+
What kind of rock does péligotite form in?+
What is péligotite used for?+
Find péligotite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
