Spriggite is an extremely rare lead uranyl oxide mineral discovered in the Mount Painter region of South Australia. It typically occurs as delicate, platy, orange-colored crystal aggregates within oxidized uranium ore zones and requires professional handling due to its significant radioactivity.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Pale Orange

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Spriggite

Hardness: 4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Pale Orange
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this spriggite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Fourmarierite

Mohs 3-4

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Spriggite leaves pale orange, Fourmarierite leaves orange-yellow; luster reads vitreous on Spriggite and adamantine on Fourmarierite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Spriggite leaves pale orange, Curite leaves orange; luster reads vitreous on Spriggite and adamantine on Curite.

Compare →

Often found alongside spriggite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₃(UO₂)₆O₈(OH)₂·3H₂O
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 7.64 g/cm³
Colors: Orange Yellow-orange
Streak: Pale Orange
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Crusts
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Uranium Deposits

Where rockhounds find spriggite

Classic worldwide localities

Mount Painter, South Australia

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized uranium deposits country, the host setting where spriggite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, gummite, becquerelite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify spriggite?+

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

Where is spriggite found?+

Notable localities include Mount Painter, South Australia.

Is spriggite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. Spriggite is highly radioactive and contains lead and uranium. Handle with gloves, keep sealed in a lead-lined or secure radiation-shielded container, and avoid creating dust or inhalation. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like spriggite?+

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

What minerals are found with spriggite?+

Spriggite commonly co-occurs with Uraninite, Gummite, Becquerelite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does spriggite form in?+

Spriggite typically forms in oxidized uranium deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is spriggite used for?+

Spriggite is used in collector.

Find spriggite on the map

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