Shumwayite is a rare uranyl sulfate mineral typically found as small, vibrant yellow tabular crystals in oxidized uranium deposits. It is best identified through its association with other secondary uranium minerals and its occurrence in arid mining environments. Due to its radioactivity and solubility, it requires careful storage in a dry environment.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Shumwayite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Transparent

Is this shumwayite?

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 shumwayite with a known reference. Shumwayite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Shumwayite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Shumwayite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, radial aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Johannite

Mohs 2

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Shumwayite leaves yellow, Johannite leaves pale green.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Shumwayite and pearly on Zippeite.

Compare →

Often found alongside shumwayite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: UO₂(SO₄)·5H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 3.31 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-green
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Radial Aggregates
Cleavage: Good
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Uranium Mines
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find shumwayite

Classic worldwide localities

Hillside mine, Yavapai County, Arizona, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of uranium mines country — that is the host setting where shumwayite typically forms. If you start seeing gypsum, halotrichite, johannite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify shumwayite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, yellow-green.

Where is shumwayite found?+

Notable localities include Hillside mine, Yavapai County, Arizona, USA.

How much is shumwayite worth?+

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

Is shumwayite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. Contains uranium and is radioactive; handle with care, use proper containment, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not inhale dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like shumwayite?+

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

What minerals are found with shumwayite?+

Shumwayite commonly co-occurs with Gypsum, Halotrichite, Johannite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does shumwayite form in?+

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

What is shumwayite used for?+

Shumwayite is used in collector.

Find shumwayite on the map

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