Zeunerite is a vibrant secondary uranium mineral often forming delicate, square-shaped tabular crystals. It is highly valued by radioactive mineral collectors for its intense green color and brilliant fluorescence under ultraviolet light, though it is chemically unstable and tends to dehydrate into meta-zeunerite.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

Pale Green

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareAutunite Group family

Zeunerite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Pearly
Streak: Pale Green
Transparency: Translucent

Is this zeunerite?

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 zeunerite with a known reference. Zeunerite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zeunerite leaves a pale green streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Zeunerite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: bright green, emerald green, yellowish green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, micaceous aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Torbernite

Mohs 2-2.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Zeunerite and vitreous on Torbernite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Zeunerite leaves pale green, Autunite leaves pale yellow.

Compare →

Often found alongside zeunerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu(UO₂)₂(AsO₄)₂·10-12H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 3.2 g/cm³
Colors: Bright Green Emerald Green Yellowish Green
Streak: Pale Green
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Micaceous Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Fluorescence: Vivid Yellow-green Under UV Light
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Uranium-bearing Hydrothermal Deposits
Typical price: $20-150 thumbnail, $200+ cabinet specimen

Where rockhounds find zeunerite

Classic worldwide localities

Schneeberg, Germany
Jáchymov, Czech Republic
Cornwall, England
Grand County, Utah, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of uranium-bearing hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where zeunerite typically forms. If you start seeing meta-zeunerite, uraninite, pharmacosiderite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, micaceous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify zeunerite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is pale green. Common colors include bright green, emerald green, yellowish green.

Where is zeunerite found?+

Notable localities include Schneeberg, Germany; Jáchymov, Czech Republic; Cornwall, England; Grand County, Utah, USA.

How much is zeunerite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 thumbnail, $200+ cabinet specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is zeunerite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. This mineral contains uranium and arsenic. Handle with extreme caution, store in a lead-lined container, and always wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not inhale dust or allow particles to enter the mouth. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like zeunerite?+

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

What minerals are found with zeunerite?+

Zeunerite commonly co-occurs with Meta-zeunerite, Uraninite, Pharmacosiderite, Malachite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does zeunerite form in?+

Zeunerite typically forms in oxidized zones of uranium-bearing hydrothermal deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is zeunerite used for?+

Zeunerite is used in collector.

Find zeunerite on the map

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