Furongite is a very rare secondary uranium phosphate mineral first discovered in China. It typically forms thin, yellowish, pearly platy crystals and is primarily sought after by advanced radioactive mineral collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Furongite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Pearly
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this furongite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Autunite

Mohs 2-2.5

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Furongite leaves yellow, Torbernite leaves pale green; luster reads pearly on Furongite and vitreous on Torbernite.

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Often found alongside furongite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂(UO₂)(PO₄)₂(OH)₂·8H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 3.32 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Golden-yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Crusts, Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect On {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Uranium-bearing Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find furongite

Classic worldwide localities

Furong mine, Hunan Province, China

Field-hunting tip

Look in uranium-bearing deposits country — that is the host setting where furongite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, autunite, phosphuranylite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify furongite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, golden-yellow.

Where is furongite found?+

Notable localities include Furong mine, Hunan Province, China.

How much is furongite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is furongite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. Contains uranium, which is both radioactive and chemically toxic. Handle with gloves, wash hands thoroughly after contact, store in a sealed lead-lined or secure container, and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like furongite?+

Furongite 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 furongite?+

Furongite commonly co-occurs with Uraninite, Autunite, Phosphuranylite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does furongite form in?+

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

What is furongite used for?+

Furongite is used in collector.

Find furongite on the map

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