Przhevalskite is a rare secondary uranium phosphate mineral that typically forms as bright yellow tabular crystals or crusts. It is most commonly found in the oxidation zones of uranium-rich hydrothermal deposits and is highly prized by collectors for its strong fluorescence.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Przhevalskite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this przhevalskite?

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 przhevalskite with a known reference. Przhevalskite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Przhevalskite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Przhevalskite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts, or radiating aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Autunite

Mohs 2-2.5

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Przhevalskite leaves yellow, Torbernite leaves pale green.

Compare →

Often found alongside przhevalskite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb(UO₂)₂(PO₄)₂·4H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 4.67 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-orange
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Crusts, Or Radiating Aggregates
Cleavage: Distinct On {010}
Fluorescence: Strong Yellow-green Under UV
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Uranium-bearing Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 thumbnail depending on matrix and quality

Where rockhounds find przhevalskite

Classic worldwide localities

Tyuya-Muyun District, Kyrgyzstan
Lodève, France
Cornwall, England

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of uranium-bearing deposits country — that is the host setting where przhevalskite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, meta-autunite, torbernite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, crusts, or radiating aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify przhevalskite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-orange.

Where is przhevalskite found?+

Notable localities include Tyuya-Muyun District, Kyrgyzstan; Lodève, France; Cornwall, England.

How much is przhevalskite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 thumbnail depending on matrix and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is przhevalskite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. This mineral is radioactive due to its uranium content and contains lead. Handle with care, wear gloves, avoid inhalation of dust, and store in a lead-lined container or away from human living spaces. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like przhevalskite?+

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

What minerals are found with przhevalskite?+

Przhevalskite commonly co-occurs with Uraninite, Meta-autunite, Torbernite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does przhevalskite form in?+

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

What is przhevalskite used for?+

Przhevalskite is used in collector.

Find przhevalskite on the map

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