Rutherfordine is a secondary uranium mineral often found as an alteration product of uraninite in the oxidation zones of uranium-bearing deposits. It typically forms delicate, yellow, needle-like or bladed crystals, though it is more frequently encountered as earthy, powdery coatings on host rocks.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Rutherfordine

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Pearly
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this rutherfordine?

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 rutherfordine with a known reference. Rutherfordine sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Rutherfordine leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Rutherfordine typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular, bladed, or earthy crusts.

Often confused with

Rutherfordine 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 Rutherfordine leaves yellow, Autunite leaves pale yellow.

Compare →

Often found alongside rutherfordine

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

All properties

Chemical formula: UO₂(CO₃)
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 4.82 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-orange
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Acicular, Bladed, Or Earthy Crusts
Cleavage: Perfect in One Direction
Fluorescence: Bright Yellow-green Under SW UV
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Uranium Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 thumbnail to small cabinet specimens

Where rockhounds find rutherfordine

Classic worldwide localities

Democratic Republic of the Congo
Czech Republic
USA (Wyoming)
Germany
France

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of uranium deposits country, the host setting where rutherfordine typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, becquerelite, curite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular, bladed, or earthy crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify rutherfordine?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-orange.

Where is rutherfordine found?+

Notable localities include Democratic Republic of the Congo; Czech Republic; USA (Wyoming); Germany; France.

How much is rutherfordine worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 thumbnail to small cabinet specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is rutherfordine safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. Contains uranium and is highly radioactive; handle with gloves, wash hands thoroughly after contact, and store in a lead-lined container away from living areas. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like rutherfordine?+

Rutherfordine is most often confused with Autunite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with rutherfordine?+

Rutherfordine commonly co-occurs with Uraninite, Becquerelite, Curite, Kasolite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does rutherfordine form in?+

Rutherfordine typically forms in oxidized zones of uranium deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is rutherfordine used for?+

Rutherfordine is used in collector.

Find rutherfordine on the map

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