Bayleyite
A variety of Minerals
What is Bayleyite?
Bayleyite is a uranium carbonate mineral with the chemical formula: Mg2(UO2)(CO3)3·18(H2O). It is a secondary mineral which contains magnesium, uranium and carbon. It is a bright yellow color. Its crystal habit is acicular but is more commonly found as crusts on uranium bearing ores. It has a Mohs hardness of about 2-2.5.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Bayleyite 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.
Bayleyite Localities Map
See where Bayleyite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Formation of Bayleyite
It was first described in 1948 for an occurrence in the Hillside mine, north of Bagdad, Yavapai County, Arizona and named for mineralogist William Shirley Bayley (1861–1943) of the University of Illinois. It occurs as an efflorescence or coating on other secondary minerals and often is deposited on mine walls and workings. It occurs with schrockingerite, andersonite, swartzite and gypsum in the Hillside mine; with schrockingerite and gypsum in the Hideout mine in Utah; and with tyuyamunite, uranophane, liebigite and carnotite in the Powder River Basin in Wyoming.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Yellow, whitish yellow
- Density
- 2.06 g/cm³
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Mg2(UO2)(CO3)3 · 18H2O
- Elements
- C, H, Mg, O, U
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Bayleyite FAQs
How do I identify Bayleyite?
Bayleyite can be identified by its Yellow color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Bayleyite?
Bayleyite typically appears in Yellow, whitish yellow. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
What is the formation of bayleyite of Bayleyite?
It was first described in 1948 for an occurrence in the Hillside mine, north of Bagdad, Yavapai County, Arizona and named for mineralogist William Shirley Bayley (1861–1943) of the University of Illinois. It occurs as an efflorescence or coating on other secondary minerals and often is deposited on mine walls and workings. It occurs with schrockingerite, andersonite, swartzite and gypsum in the Hillside mine; with schrockingerite and gypsum in the Hideout mine in Utah; and with tyuyamunite, uranophane, liebigite and carnotite in the Powder River Basin in Wyoming.
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