Saléeite is a bright, yellow secondary uranium mineral that often forms flat, square-shaped tabular crystals or micaceous flakes. It is a member of the autunite group and is highly sought after by radioactive mineral collectors for its intense green fluorescence under UV lighting. It typically forms in the oxidation zones of uranium deposits as a result of weathering.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Transparent

mineraluncommonAutunite Group family

Saléeite

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

Is this saléeite?

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 saléeite with a known reference. Saléeite 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. Saléeite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Saléeite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, lemon-yellow, greenish-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, micaceous aggregates.

Often confused with

Saléeite 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 — Saléeite leaves yellow, Autunite leaves pale yellow; luster reads vitreous on Saléeite and pearly on Autunite.

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Saléeite and pearly on Meta-autunite.

Compare →

Often found alongside saléeite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Mg(UO₂)₂(PO₄)₂·10H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 3.2 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Lemon-yellow Greenish-yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Micaceous Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Fluorescence: Bright Yellow-green Under UV Light
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Uranium-bearing Deposits
Typical price: $20-150 per specimen depending on crystal quality and size.

Where rockhounds find saléeite

Classic worldwide localities

Shinkolobwe, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Lodève, France
Rum Jungle, Australia
Sabugal, Portugal

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify saléeite?+

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

Where is saléeite found?+

Notable localities include Shinkolobwe, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Lodève, France; Rum Jungle, Australia; Sabugal, Portugal.

How much is saléeite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 per specimen depending on crystal quality and size.. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is saléeite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. Contains uranium; handle with gloves and wash hands thoroughly after contact. Do not inhale dust or store in living areas. Keep in a sealed, lead-lined, or heavy-duty plastic container to block radiation. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like saléeite?+

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

What minerals are found with saléeite?+

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

What kind of rock does saléeite form in?+

Saléeite 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 saléeite used for?+

Saléeite is used in collector.

Find saléeite on the map

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