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.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Péligotite

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

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Is this péligotite?

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 péligotite with a known reference. Péligotite 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. Péligotite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Péligotite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal 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.

mineral

Johannite

Mohs 2

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Péligotite leaves yellow, Johannite leaves pale green.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Péligotite and pearly on Zippeite.

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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: Na₂UO₂(SO₄)₂·3H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 4.2 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-green
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Crusts
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Uranium Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find péligotite

Classic worldwide localities

Jáchymov, Czech Republic

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify péligotite?+

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

Where is péligotite found?+

Notable localities include Jáchymov, Czech Republic.

How much is péligotite 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 péligotite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. Contains uranium and is radioactive. Handle with gloves and keep in a lead-lined container. Do not inhale dust or ingest. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like péligotite?+

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

What minerals are found with péligotite?+

Péligotite commonly co-occurs with Johannite, Zippeite, Uraninite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does péligotite form in?+

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

What is péligotite used for?+

Péligotite is used in collector.

Find péligotite on the map

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