Svornostite-(K) is a rare secondary uranium mineral found within the oxidation zones of uranium deposits. It typically forms delicate, yellow acicular to fibrous crystalline sprays often associated with other uranium-bearing sulfates.
Is this svornostite-(k)?
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 svornostite-(k) with a known reference. Svornostite-(K) sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: yellow.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular to fibrous aggregates.
Often confused with
Svornostite-(K) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside svornostite-(k)
Minerals reported to co-occur with svornostite-(k). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₂Mg(UO₂)₂(SO₄)₄·8H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 3.32 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular to fibrous aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {010} and {010}
- Fluorescence
- Bright yellow-green under UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- hydrothermal uranium veins
Where rockhounds find svornostite-(k)
Classic worldwide localities
- Svornost Mine, Jáchymov, Czech Republic
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: hydrothermal uranium veins. If you start seeing johannite, uranyl sulfates, gypsum in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: acicular to fibrous aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify svornostite-(k)?+
Where is svornostite-(k) found?+
Is svornostite-(k) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like svornostite-(k)?+
What minerals are found with svornostite-(k)?+
What kind of rock does svornostite-(k) form in?+
What is svornostite-(k) used for?+
Find svornostite-(k) on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
