Kamitugaite is an extremely rare uranium-lead phosphate mineral typically found as small, thin, platy yellow crystals. It is a secondary mineral primarily sourced from the oxidized zones of complex uranium deposits. Due to its radioactive nature and extreme scarcity, it is sought after primarily by advanced mineral collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent to translucent

mineralrare

Kamitugaite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent to translucent

No image

Is this kamitugaite?

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 kamitugaite with a known reference. Kamitugaite sits at Mohs 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: 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.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy.

Often confused with

Kamitugaite 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 Kamitugaite leaves white, Autunite leaves pale yellow.

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

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Often found alongside kamitugaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PbAl(UO₂)₅(PO₄)₃O₂(OH)₂(H₂O)₁₁.₅
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 4.03 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Platy
Cleavage: Good on {010} and {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A rare secondary mineral in the oxidized uraniferous zone of a complex granite pegmatite

Where rockhounds find kamitugaite

Classic worldwide localities

Kobokobo pegmatite, Lusungu River district, Kivu Province, Congo (Zaire)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A rare secondary mineral in the oxidized uraniferous zone of a complex granite pegmatite. If you start seeing dumontite, studtite, triangulite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kamitugaite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow.

Where is kamitugaite found?+

Notable localities include Kobokobo pegmatite, Lusungu River district, Kivu Province, Congo (Zaire).

Is kamitugaite safe to handle?+

Kamitugaite contains lead and uranium or thorium and calls for real care. This mineral is radioactive and contains lead and uranium. Handle with gloves, store in a lead-lined container, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not ingest dust or fragments.

What rocks look like kamitugaite?+

Kamitugaite 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 kamitugaite?+

Kamitugaite commonly co-occurs with Dumontite, Studtite, Triangulite, Threadgoldite, Phuralumite, Upalite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kamitugaite form in?+

Where it forms: A rare secondary mineral in the oxidized uraniferous zone of a complex granite pegmatite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kamitugaite used for?+

Kamitugaite is used in collector.

Find kamitugaite on the map

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