Studtite is a rare uranyl peroxide mineral that typically forms as delicate, needle-like crystals or yellow crusts on uranium-bearing rocks. It is most famous as the first peroxide mineral discovered in nature, often forming in the oxidation zones of uranium deposits where it acts as a secondary alteration product.
Is this studtite?
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 studtite with a known reference. Studtite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Studtite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Studtite typically shows a earthy luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, yellow, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, fibrous, crusts, tufts.
Often confused with
Studtite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads earthy on Studtite and pearly on Metastudtite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Studtite leaves white, Becquerelite leaves yellow; luster reads earthy on Studtite and adamantine on Becquerelite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Studtite leaves white, Schoepite leaves yellow; luster reads earthy on Studtite and adamantine on Schoepite.
Often found alongside studtite
Minerals reported to co-occur with studtite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- [(UO₂)O₂(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 3.55 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Earthy
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular Crystals, Fibrous, Crusts, Tufts
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Uranium-rich Hydrothermal Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity
Where rockhounds find studtite
Classic worldwide localities
- Shinkolobwe Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Jáchymov, Czech Republic
- Wölsendorf, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of uranium-rich hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where studtite typically forms. If you start seeing curite, vandenbrandeite, kasolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, fibrous, crusts, tufts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find studtite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
