Štěpite is a rare uranium arsenite. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2012, from material found in Czech Republic.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrarePhosphate Group family

Štěpite

Štěpite is a rare uranium arsenite. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2012, from material found in Czech Republic.

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this štěpite?

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 štěpite with a known reference. Štěpite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Štěpite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Štěpite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, crusts.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Autunite

Mohs 2-2.5

How to tell apart: Štěpite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2-2.5); streak differs, so Štěpite leaves white, Autunite leaves pale yellow; luster reads vitreous on Štěpite and pearly on Autunite.

How to tell apart: Štěpite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2-2.5); streak differs, so Štěpite leaves white, Torbernite leaves pale green.

Compare →

Often found alongside štěpite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: U(AsO₃OH)₂·4H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 3.26 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-green Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Crusts
Cleavage: None Reported
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Uranium Veins

Where rockhounds find štěpite

Classic worldwide localities

Jáchymov, Czech Republic

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal uranium veins country, the host setting where štěpite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, meta-autunite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify štěpite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, yellow-green, brown.

Where is štěpite found?+

Notable localities include Jáchymov, Czech Republic.

Is štěpite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Contains uranium and is radioactive; store it apart from other specimens. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like štěpite?+

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

What minerals are found with štěpite?+

Štěpite commonly co-occurs with Uraninite, Meta-autunite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does štěpite form in?+

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

What is štěpite used for?+

Štěpite is used in collector.

Find štěpite on the map

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