Xiangjiangite is a rare secondary uranium mineral typically found as small, vibrant yellow platy crystals or coatings in oxidized uranium deposits. It is best identified through its distinct fluorescence under UV light and its association with other primary uranium ores. Collectors should exercise extreme caution due to its significant radioactivity.
Is this xiangjiangite?
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 xiangjiangite with a known reference. Xiangjiangite 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. Xiangjiangite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Xiangjiangite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, scales.
Often confused with
Xiangjiangite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Xiangjiangite leaves yellow, Autunite leaves pale yellow.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Xiangjiangite leaves yellow, Torbernite leaves pale green; luster reads pearly on Xiangjiangite and vitreous on Torbernite.
Often found alongside xiangjiangite
Minerals reported to co-occur with xiangjiangite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Fe³⁺,Al)(UO₂)(PO₄,SO₄)₂·nH₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 3.5 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Crusts, Scales
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Fluorescence
- Bright Yellow-green Under UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Uranium-rich Hydrothermal Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 for small, high-quality specimens
Where rockhounds find xiangjiangite
Classic worldwide localities
- Hengyang, Hunan, China
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of uranium-rich hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where xiangjiangite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, pyrite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts, scales habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find xiangjiangite on the map
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