Šreinite is a rare uranyl phosphate mineral typically found as small, yellow, platy crystals or thin crusts. It is most commonly associated with primary uranium deposits and weathered hydrothermal veins, specifically documented in the historic mining region of Jáchymov.
Is this šreinite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch šreinite with a known reference. Šreinite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Šreinite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Šreinite typically shows a subadamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts.
Often confused with
Šreinite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Šreinite leaves yellow, Autunite leaves pale yellow; luster reads subadamantine on Šreinite and pearly on Autunite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Šreinite leaves yellow, Torbernite leaves pale green; luster reads subadamantine on Šreinite and vitreous on Torbernite.
Often found alongside šreinite
Minerals reported to co-occur with šreinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb(UO₂)₂(PO₄)₂(OH)₂·6H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 4.56 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Subadamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Uranium-bearing Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find šreinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Jachymov, Czech Republic
Field-hunting tip
Look in uranium-bearing hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where šreinite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, pyromorphite, wulfenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find šreinite on the map
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