Uralolite is a rare calcium-beryllium phosphate mineral that typically occurs as radial tufts or crusts in pegmatite environments. Collectors usually identify it through its characteristic association with rare beryllium minerals and its delicate, needle-like habit in cavities.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Uralolite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this uralolite?

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 uralolite with a known reference. Uralolite sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Uralolite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Uralolite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: radial aggregates, crusts, acicular needles.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Wardite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5 vs. 3-4).

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Often found alongside uralolite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaBe₃(PO₄)₂(OH)₂·4H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 2.35-2.38 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Radial Aggregates, Crusts, Acicular Needles
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find uralolite

Classic worldwide localities

Mount Vastenjarg, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Tip Top mine, South Dakota, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country, the host setting where uralolite typically forms. If you start seeing beryllonite, morinite, hurlbutite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a radial aggregates, crusts, acicular needles habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify uralolite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, pale yellow.

Where is uralolite found?+

Notable localities include Mount Vastenjarg, Kola Peninsula, Russia; Tip Top mine, South Dakota, USA.

How much is uralolite 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.

What rocks look like uralolite?+

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

What minerals are found with uralolite?+

Uralolite commonly co-occurs with Beryllonite, Morinite, Hurlbutite, Eosphorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does uralolite form in?+

Uralolite typically forms in granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is uralolite used for?+

Uralolite is used in collector.

Find uralolite on the map

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