Vorlanite is a very rare calcium uranate mineral that typically occurs as tiny, brilliant yellow grains. It is primarily found in hydrothermal vein systems and is prized by advanced radioactive mineral collectors due to its extreme scarcity.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Vorlanite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this vorlanite?

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 vorlanite with a known reference. Vorlanite 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. Vorlanite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Vorlanite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: grains.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Curite

Mohs 4-5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Vorlanite leaves yellow, Curite leaves orange.

Often found alongside vorlanite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaUO₄
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 7.35 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-orange
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $200-1000+ per specimen

Where rockhounds find vorlanite

Classic worldwide localities

Khakassia, Russia
Tyrol, Austria

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where vorlanite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, fluorite, uraninite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify vorlanite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-orange.

Where is vorlanite found?+

Notable localities include Khakassia, Russia; Tyrol, Austria.

How much is vorlanite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $200-1000+ per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is vorlanite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. Vorlanite contains uranium and is radioactive; handle with care, wash hands after handling, and store in a sealed container away from living spaces. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like vorlanite?+

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

What minerals are found with vorlanite?+

Vorlanite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Fluorite, Uraninite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does vorlanite form in?+

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

What is vorlanite used for?+

Vorlanite is used in collector.

Find vorlanite on the map

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