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 — 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 — that is 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.