Uranospinite is an uncommon hydrated calcium uranyl arsenate found primarily in the oxidation zones of uranium-rich ore deposits. Collectors recognize it by its vibrant yellow-green color and strong fluorescence under ultraviolet light, though it must be handled carefully due to its inherent radioactivity and arsenic content.
Is this uranospinite?
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 uranospinite with a known reference. Uranospinite 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. Uranospinite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Uranospinite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green, light green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, micaceous crusts, or radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Uranospinite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Uranospinite leaves yellow, Autunite leaves pale yellow.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Uranospinite leaves yellow, Torbernite leaves pale green; luster reads pearly on Uranospinite and vitreous on Torbernite.
Often found alongside uranospinite
Minerals reported to co-occur with uranospinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca(UO₂)₂(AsO₄)₂·10H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Micaceous Crusts, Or Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Fluorescence
- Bright Yellow-green Under UV Light
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Uranium-bearing Hydrothermal Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on crystal quality
Where rockhounds find uranospinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Schneeberg, Germany
- Jachymov, Czech Republic
- Utah, USA
- New Mexico, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized uranium-bearing hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where uranospinite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, pharmacosiderite, scorodite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, micaceous crusts, or radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find uranospinite on the map
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