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.

Hardness

2-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous to sub-adamantine

Streak

Pale yellow

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Šreinite

Hardness: 2-4
Luster: Vitreous to sub-adamantine
Streak: Pale yellow
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this šreinite?

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 šreinite with a known reference. Šreinite sits at Mohs 2-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: pale yellow.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous to sub-adamantine.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow with an orange tint.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts.

Often confused with

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

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)₄(BiO)₃(PO₄)₂(OH)₇·4H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-4
Density: 5.20 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow with an orange tint
Streak: Pale yellow
Luster: Vitreous to sub-adamantine
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Platy crystals, crusts
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A secondary mineral

Where rockhounds find šreinite

Classic worldwide localities

Horní Hale, Krune Hory Mts., Czech Republic (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A secondary mineral. If you start seeing uranosphaerite, goethite, pb-bearing phosphuranylite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify šreinite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-4. Luster: vitreous to sub-adamantine. The streak is pale yellow. Common colors include yellow with an orange tint.

Where is šreinite found?+

Notable localities include Horní Hale, Krune Hory Mts., Czech Republic (type locality).

Is šreinite safe to handle?+

Šreinite contains lead and uranium or thorium and calls for real care. This mineral is radioactive due to its uranium content and contains lead. Handle with gloves, wash hands thoroughly after contact, store in a sealed lead-lined container, and avoid creating or inhaling dust.

What rocks look like šreinite?+

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

What minerals are found with šreinite?+

Šreinite commonly co-occurs with Uranosphaerite, Goethite, Pb-bearing phosphuranylite, Metatorbernite, Bismutoferrite, Kasolite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does šreinite form in?+

Where it forms: A secondary mineral. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is šreinite used for?+

Šreinite is used in collector.

Find šreinite on the map

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