Kamotoite-(Y) is a rare hydrated yttrium uranium uranyl carbonate mineral found in oxidized uranium deposits. It typically forms thin, bright yellow platy crystals or coatings and is highly prized by advanced mineral collectors for its complexity and rarity.
Is this kamotoite-(y)?
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 kamotoite-(y) with a known reference. Kamotoite-(Y) sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: pale yellow.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, bright yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: encrustations.
Often confused with
Kamotoite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Kamotoite-(Y) leaves pale yellow, Uranophane leaves yellowish white.
How to tell apart: Kasolite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4-5 vs. 2-3); luster reads vitreous on Kamotoite-(Y) and subadamantine to greasy, dull to earthy when massive on Kasolite.
Often found alongside kamotoite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with kamotoite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Y₂O₄(UO₂)₄(CO₃)₃·14H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 3.93 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Encrustations
- Cleavage
- {001} and {010}, good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Formed in the oxidized zone above a uranium-bearing Cu–Co deposit
Where rockhounds find kamotoite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Kamoto mine, near Kolwezi, Katanga Province, Congo (Shaba Province, Zaire)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Formed in the oxidized zone above a uranium-bearing Cu–Co deposit. If you start seeing uraninite, uranophane, curite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: encrustations. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kamotoite-(y)?+
Where is kamotoite-(y) found?+
Is kamotoite-(y) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like kamotoite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with kamotoite-(y)?+
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Find kamotoite-(y) on the map
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