Uranotungstite is a rare secondary uranium mineral that forms as thin, yellow, platy crystals in the oxidation zones of uranium deposits. It is highly prized by collectors of radioactive minerals due to its scarcity and distinct crystalline habit. Due to its radioactive nature, it requires specialized handling and secure storage protocols.
Is this uranotungstite?
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 uranotungstite with a known reference. Uranotungstite 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. Uranotungstite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Uranotungstite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, tabular aggregates.
Often confused with
Uranotungstite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Uranotungstite leaves yellow, Autunite leaves pale yellow.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Uranotungstite leaves yellow, Torbernite leaves pale green; luster reads pearly on Uranotungstite and vitreous on Torbernite.
Often found alongside uranotungstite
Minerals reported to co-occur with uranotungstite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (UO₂)(WO₄)(OH)₂·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 5.65 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Tabular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Uranium-bearing Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find uranotungstite
Classic worldwide localities
- Jáchymov, Czech Republic
- Schneeberg, Germany
- Gourine, Morocco
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of uranium-bearing hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where uranotungstite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, quartz, barite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, tabular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify uranotungstite?+
Where is uranotungstite found?+
How much is uranotungstite worth?+
Is uranotungstite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like uranotungstite?+
What minerals are found with uranotungstite?+
What kind of rock does uranotungstite form in?+
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Find uranotungstite on the map
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