Upalite is a rare aluminum uranium phosphate that forms amber-yellow acicular to fibrous crystals. It is a rare secondary mineral in the oxidized uraniferous zone of a complex granite pegmatite. Associated minerals include meta-autunite, phosphuranylite and threadgoldite. It was first described from the Kobokobo pegmatite, Lusungu River district, Kivu Province, Congo (Zaire).

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Dull

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Upalite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Dull
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this upalite?

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 upalite with a known reference. Upalite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Upalite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Upalite typically shows a dull luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: amber-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular to fibrous crystals.

Often confused with

Upalite 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 Upalite leaves yellow, Autunite leaves pale yellow; luster reads dull on Upalite and pearly on Autunite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads dull on Upalite and pearly on Meta-autunite.

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Often found alongside upalite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Al(UO₂)₃(PO₄)₂O(OH)·7H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 3.9 g/cm³
Colors: Amber-yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Dull
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Acicular to Fibrous Crystals
Cleavage: On {010}, Distinct
Fluorescence: Bright Green Under SW UV
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Uranium Deposits

Where rockhounds find upalite

Classic worldwide localities

Katanga Province, DR Congo
Shaba, DR Congo

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized uranium deposits country, the host setting where upalite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, becquerelite, curite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular to fibrous crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify upalite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a dull luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include amber-yellow.

Where is upalite found?+

Notable localities include Katanga Province, DR Congo; Shaba, DR Congo.

Is upalite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. Contains uranium and is radioactive; store it apart from other specimens. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like upalite?+

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

What minerals are found with upalite?+

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

What kind of rock does upalite form in?+

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

What is upalite used for?+

Upalite is used in collector.

Find upalite on the map

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