Uramphite is an extremely rare ammonium uranyl phosphate mineral that typically forms as bright emerald green, thin platy crystals. It is a secondary mineral found in the oxidation zones of uranium-bearing deposits, often mistaken for similar-looking autunite or torbernite.
Is this uramphite?
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 uramphite with a known reference. Uramphite 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. Uramphite leaves a pale green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Uramphite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: emerald green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, micaceous aggregates.
Often confused with
Uramphite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside uramphite
Minerals reported to co-occur with uramphite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (NH₄)(UO₂)(PO₄)·3H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 3.5 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale Green
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Micaceous Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Fluorescence
- Bright Green Under UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Uranium Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find uramphite
Classic worldwide localities
- Dal'negoe deposit, Russia
- Tyuya-Muyun, Kyrgyzstan
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized uranium deposits country — that is the host setting where uramphite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, limonite, other secondary uranium minerals in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, micaceous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find uramphite on the map
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