Ulrichite is a rare secondary uranium mineral typically found as vibrant green, platy crystals in hydrothermal deposits. It is highly sought after by radioactive mineral collectors due to its distinct crystal form and striking color.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Pale Green

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Ulrichite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Pale Green
Transparency: Transparent

Is this ulrichite?

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 ulrichite with a known reference. Ulrichite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ulrichite leaves a pale green streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ulrichite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: emerald green, apple green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, pseudo-hexagonal clusters.

Often confused with

Ulrichite 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 — Ulrichite leaves pale green, Autunite leaves pale yellow; luster reads vitreous on Ulrichite and pearly on Autunite.

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Often found alongside ulrichite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaCu(UO₂)₂(PO₄)₂·4H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 4.26 g/cm³
Colors: Emerald Green Apple Green
Streak: Pale Green
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Pseudo-hexagonal Clusters
Cleavage: Distinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins in Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find ulrichite

Classic worldwide localities

Mount Painter, South Australia
Radium Hill, South Australia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins in metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where ulrichite typically forms. If you start seeing torbernite, quartz, hematite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, pseudo-hexagonal clusters habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ulrichite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is pale green. Common colors include emerald green, apple green.

Where is ulrichite found?+

Notable localities include Mount Painter, South Australia; Radium Hill, South Australia.

How much is ulrichite 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 ulrichite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. Ulrichite is radioactive due to its uranium content and contains copper, which can be toxic if ingested or inhaled. Handle with gloves, store in a labeled lead-lined or shielded container, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like ulrichite?+

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

What minerals are found with ulrichite?+

Ulrichite commonly co-occurs with Torbernite, Quartz, Hematite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ulrichite form in?+

Ulrichite typically forms in hydrothermal veins in metamorphic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ulrichite used for?+

Ulrichite is used in collector.

Find ulrichite on the map

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