Arsenovanmeersscheite is a rare secondary uranium mineral typically found in weathered granite pegmatites. It usually forms distinct, bright yellow acicular crystal sprays and is highly prized by advanced collectors of radioactive species.
Is this arsenovanmeersscheite?
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 arsenovanmeersscheite with a known reference. Arsenovanmeersscheite sits at Mohs ~2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: yellowish.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, radiating sprays.
Often confused with
Arsenovanmeersscheite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Arsenovanmeersscheite leaves yellowish, Vanmeersscheite leaves light yellow.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Arsenovanmeersscheite leaves yellowish, Autunite leaves pale yellow.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Arsenovanmeersscheite leaves yellowish, Meta-autunite leaves yellow; luster reads vitreous on Arsenovanmeersscheite and pearly to dull on Meta-autunite.
Often found alongside arsenovanmeersscheite
Minerals reported to co-occur with arsenovanmeersscheite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- U(UO₂)₃(AsO₄)₂(OH)₆·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- ~2
- Density
- 4.91 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular crystals, radiating sprays
- Cleavage
- Good on (010) and (001)
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A secondary mineral in a uranium deposit
Where rockhounds find arsenovanmeersscheite
Classic worldwide localities
- Menzenschwand, southern Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A secondary mineral in a uranium deposit. If you start seeing vanmeersschelte, schoepite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: acicular crystals, radiating sprays. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify arsenovanmeersscheite?+
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Find arsenovanmeersscheite on the map
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