Sabugalite is a rare secondary uranium phosphate mineral occurring as thin, fragile, lemon-yellow tabular crystals. It is typically found in the oxidation zones of uranium-rich hydrothermal deposits and is noted for its strong green fluorescence under ultraviolet radiation.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareAutunite Group family

Sabugalite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Pearly
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Transparent

Is this sabugalite?

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 sabugalite with a known reference. Sabugalite sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Sabugalite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Sabugalite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, lemon-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: thin tabular crystals, lamellar aggregates.

Often confused with

Sabugalite 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, so Sabugalite leaves yellow, Autunite leaves pale yellow.

Often found alongside sabugalite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: HAl(UO₂)₄(PO₄)₄·16H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 3.1 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Lemon-yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Thin Tabular Crystals, Lamellar Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Fluorescence: Bright Green Under UV Light
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Uranium Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find sabugalite

Classic worldwide localities

Sabugal, Portugal
Limousin, France
Cornwall, England
New Hampshire, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of uranium deposits country, the host setting where sabugalite typically forms. If you start seeing autunite, torbernite, phosphuranylite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a thin tabular crystals, lamellar aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify sabugalite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, lemon-yellow.

Where is sabugalite found?+

Notable localities include Sabugal, Portugal; Limousin, France; Cornwall, England; New Hampshire, USA.

How much is sabugalite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is sabugalite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. Radioactive mineral; handle with gloves, wash hands thoroughly after contact, store in a sealed lead-lined or dense container away from living areas, and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like sabugalite?+

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

What minerals are found with sabugalite?+

Sabugalite commonly co-occurs with Autunite, Torbernite, Phosphuranylite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does sabugalite form in?+

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

What is sabugalite used for?+

Sabugalite is used in collector.

Find sabugalite on the map

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