Ulrichite

A variety of Minerals

Ulrichite specimen

What is Ulrichite?

Ulrichite is a rare green uranium phosphate mineral (CaCu(UO2)[PO4]2·4H2O). It crystallizes as monoclinic prisms which occur as apple green acicular radiating clusters. It is radioactive and exhibits strong yellow fluorescence under ultraviolet radiation. Ulrichite was first described in 1988 for samples from the Lake Boga granite quarry, Lake Boga, Victoria, Australia. It was named for George H. F. Ulrich (1830–1900), a 19th-century government geologist and mines department inspector. The type locality at Lake Boga is the only reported occurrence and the type specimen is located at the Museum Victoria, Melbourne, Australia, as #M38576. It is of secondary origin in granite pegmatites where it is found in miarolitic cavities. It occurs associated with turquoise, chalcosiderite, cyrilovite, torbernite, libethenite, sampleite, saleeite and fluorapatite.

Market Value Factors

Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Ulrichite before comparing listings or appraisals.

Size & Weight

Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.

Rarity & Demand

Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.

Condition & Finish

Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.

Treatment & Provenance

Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.

Applies to all rocks & minerals.

Quick Facts

Physical Properties

Color
Apple-green, lime-green
Hardness (Mohs)
3 - 3.5
Rock tumbling
Not recommended
Streak
White

Chemical Properties

Chemical Formula
CaCu(UO2)(PO4)2 · 4H2O
Elements
Ca, Cu, H, O, P, U
FREE APPTrusted by rockhounds
Ruby Glint rock identifier app

Identify Ulrichite Instantly

  • Snap a photo, get instant results
  • 6,700+ rocks, minerals & crystals
  • Discover collecting spots near you

Ulrichite FAQs

How do I identify Ulrichite?

Ulrichite can be identified by its hardness of 3 - 3.5 on the Mohs scale, Apple-green color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Ulrichite?

Ulrichite typically appears in Apple-green, lime-green. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Ulrichite?

Ulrichite has a hardness of 3 - 3.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.

Related Minerals

Explore More Rocks & Minerals