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

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellow white

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Furongite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellow white
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 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: yellow white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, light yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. 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, so Furongite leaves yellow white, Autunite leaves pale yellow.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Furongite leaves yellow white, Torbernite leaves pale green.

Compare →

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: Al₁₃(UO₂)₇(PO₄)₁₃(OH)₁₄·58H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 2.82-3.0 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Light yellow
Streak: Yellow white
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Platy crystals, crusts, aggregates
Cleavage: On {111} and {111}, very perfect
Fluorescence: Strong pale yellow green under SW UV
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In the oxidation zone of a uranium deposit (Hunan Province, China); in a complex granite pegmatite (Kobokobo pegmatite, Congo)

Where rockhounds find furongite

Classic worldwide localities

An undefined locality in western Hunan Province, China
Kobokobo pegmatite, Lusungu River district, Kivu Province, Congo (Zaire)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In the oxidation zone of a uranium deposit (Hunan Province, China); in a complex granite pegmatite (Kobokobo pegmatite, Congo). If you start seeing variscite, evansite, autunite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify furongite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. Luster: vitreous. The streak is yellow white. Common colors include yellow, light yellow.

Where is furongite found?+

Notable localities include An undefined locality in western Hunan Province, China; Kobokobo pegmatite, Lusungu River district, Kivu Province, Congo (Zaire).

Is furongite safe to handle?+

Furongite contains uranium or thorium and calls for real care. 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.

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 Variscite, Evansite, Autunite, Halloysite, Opal, Limonite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does furongite form in?+

Where it forms: In the oxidation zone of a uranium deposit (Hunan Province, China); in a complex granite pegmatite (Kobokobo pegmatite, Congo). 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.