Trögerite is a rare secondary uranium arsenate mineral typically found as small, thin, transparent-to-translucent tabular crystals. It is most famous for its association with uranium deposits in the Schneeberg district, where it forms in the oxidation zones of hydrothermal veins.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareAutunite Group family

Trögerite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Pearly
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this trögerite?

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 trögerite with a known reference. Trögerite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Trögerite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Trögerite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: red, orange, yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, micaceous aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Autunite

Mohs 2-2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Trögerite leaves yellow, Autunite leaves pale yellow.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Trögerite leaves yellow, Torbernite leaves pale green; luster reads pearly on Trögerite and vitreous on Torbernite.

Often found alongside trögerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (H₃O)(UO₂)(AsO₄)·3H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 3.3 g/cm³
Colors: Red Orange Yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Micaceous Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Fluorescence: Strong Yellow-green Under UV
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Uranium-bearing Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-500 depending on crystal size and matrix quality

Where rockhounds find trögerite

Classic worldwide localities

Schneeberg (Germany)
Jáchymov (Czech Republic)
Radhau (Austria)

Field-hunting tip

Look in uranium-bearing hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where trögerite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, walpurgite, zeunerite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, micaceous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify trögerite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include red, orange, yellow.

Where is trögerite found?+

Notable localities include Schneeberg (Germany); Jáchymov (Czech Republic); Radhau (Austria).

How much is trögerite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on crystal size and matrix quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is trögerite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. Trögerite is both radioactive and contains arsenic. Handle with gloves, store in a sealed container, avoid dust inhalation, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like trögerite?+

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

What minerals are found with trögerite?+

Trögerite commonly co-occurs with Uraninite, Walpurgite, Zeunerite, Proustite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does trögerite form in?+

Trögerite typically forms in uranium-bearing hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is trögerite used for?+

Trögerite is used in collector.

Find trögerite on the map

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