Schoepite is a secondary uranium mineral that forms through the alteration of uraninite in the oxidation zone of uranium-rich deposits. It is frequently found as bright yellow, tabular crystals or crusts that are strongly radioactive and should be handled with care.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Schoepite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this schoepite?

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 schoepite with a known reference. Schoepite 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. Schoepite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Schoepite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, amber-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, often as crusts or powdery aggregates.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads adamantine on Schoepite and vitreous on Billietite.

How to tell apart: Curite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4-5 vs. 2.5); streak differs, so Schoepite leaves yellow, Curite leaves orange.

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Often found alongside schoepite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: [(UO₂)₈O₂(OH)₁₂]·12H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 4.8 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Amber-yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Often as Crusts or Powdery Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect in One Direction
Fluorescence: Yellow-green Under UV
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zone of Uranium Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality and size

Where rockhounds find schoepite

Classic worldwide localities

Democratic Republic of the Congo
Czech Republic
Canada
Germany
USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zone of uranium deposits country, the host setting where schoepite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, becquerelite, curite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, often as crusts or powdery aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify schoepite?+

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

Where is schoepite found?+

Notable localities include Democratic Republic of the Congo; Czech Republic; Canada; Germany; USA.

How much is schoepite worth?+

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

Is schoepite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. Radioactive material. Store in a sealed container, avoid handling with bare hands, and wash hands thoroughly after contact to prevent ingestion or inhalation of radioactive dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like schoepite?+

Schoepite is most often confused with Becquerelite, Billietite, Curite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with schoepite?+

Schoepite commonly co-occurs with Uraninite, Becquerelite, Curite, Fourmarierite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does schoepite form in?+

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

What is schoepite used for?+

Schoepite is used in collector.

Find schoepite on the map

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