Swartzite is a rare uranyl carbonate mineral that typically forms distinct, thin tabular crystals with a bright yellow-green color. Collectors prize it for its intense green fluorescence under ultraviolet light. It is primarily found as a secondary mineral in oxidized uranium deposits in the western United States.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Swartzite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this swartzite?

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 swartzite with a known reference. Swartzite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Swartzite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Swartzite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: green, yellow-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Swartzite leaves white, Liebigite leaves pale yellow.

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Often found alongside swartzite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaMg(UO₂)(CO₃)₃·12H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 2.12 g/cm³
Colors: Green Yellow-green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Fluorescence: Bright Yellow-green Under UV
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Uranium-bearing Hydrothermal Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find swartzite

Classic worldwide localities

Grants, New Mexico, USA
Utah, USA
Czech Republic

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of uranium-bearing hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where swartzite typically forms. If you start seeing andersonite, liebigite, bayleyite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify swartzite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include green, yellow-green.

Where is swartzite found?+

Notable localities include Grants, New Mexico, USA; Utah, USA; Czech Republic.

How much is swartzite 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 swartzite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. Contains uranium and is radioactive; handle with care, store in a lead-lined container, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like swartzite?+

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

What minerals are found with swartzite?+

Swartzite commonly co-occurs with Andersonite, Liebigite, Bayleyite, Gypsum. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does swartzite form in?+

Swartzite typically forms in oxidized zones of uranium-bearing hydrothermal deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is swartzite used for?+

Swartzite is used in collector.

Find swartzite on the map

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