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 — 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 — that is 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.