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.
Is this kamitugaite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch kamitugaite with a known reference. Kamitugaite sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kamitugaite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kamitugaite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Kamitugaite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Kamitugaite leaves yellow, Autunite leaves pale yellow.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Kamitugaite leaves yellow, Torbernite leaves pale green; luster reads pearly on Kamitugaite and vitreous on Torbernite.
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)₄(OH)₅·10H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5-3
- Density
- 4.67 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Uranium-bearing Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $100-500 per specimen depending on size and rarity
Where rockhounds find kamitugaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kamituga, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of uranium-bearing pegmatites country — that is the host setting where kamitugaite typically forms. If you start seeing meta-autunite, phosphuranylite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kamitugaite?+
Where is kamitugaite found?+
How much is kamitugaite worth?+
Is kamitugaite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like kamitugaite?+
What minerals are found with kamitugaite?+
What kind of rock does kamitugaite form in?+
What is kamitugaite used for?+
Find kamitugaite on the map
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