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

mineralrarenull family

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 — 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 — that is 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.