Sayrite is a very rare secondary uranium mineral typically found as small, vibrant orange tabular crystals. It is primarily known from the Shinkolobwe Mine in the Congo, where it occurs in oxidized uranium-rich deposits associated with other lead-bearing uranyl silicates.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrarenull family

Sayrite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Transparent

Is this sayrite?

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 sayrite with a known reference. Sayrite 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. Sayrite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Sayrite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: orange, yellow-orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Kasolite

Mohs 4-5

How to tell apart: Kasolite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4-5 vs. 2-3); luster reads adamantine on Sayrite and greasy on Kasolite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads adamantine on Sayrite and pearly on Boltwoodite.

Compare →

Often found alongside sayrite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₂Si₄O₁₀(OH)₄
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 5.5-6.0 g/cm³
Colors: Orange Yellow-orange
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Uranium-bearing Hydrothermal Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find sayrite

Classic worldwide localities

Shinkolobwe Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify sayrite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include orange, yellow-orange.

Where is sayrite found?+

Notable localities include Shinkolobwe Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

How much is sayrite worth?+

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

Is sayrite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust; wash hands thoroughly after handling and keep away from food. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like sayrite?+

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

What minerals are found with sayrite?+

Sayrite commonly co-occurs with Kasolite, Soddyite, Curite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does sayrite form in?+

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

What is sayrite used for?+

Sayrite is used in collector.

Find sayrite on the map

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