Liandratite is an extremely rare uranium-niobium-tantalum oxide mineral typically found in granitic pegmatites. Collectors should look for small, platy yellow crystals associated with other rare-earth minerals, noting its distinct radioactivity.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Glassy

Streak

Pale yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareTapiolite Group family

Liandratite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Glassy
Streak: Pale yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this liandratite?

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 liandratite with a known reference. Liandratite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: pale yellow.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: glassy.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, brownish yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: encrustations, metamict.

Often found alongside liandratite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: UNb₂O₈
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 7.0 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Brownish yellow
Streak: Pale yellow
Luster: Glassy
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Encrustations, metamict
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific study
Host rock: In a zoned pegmatite in amphibolite-grade gneiss, as an oxidized crust over petscheckite

Where rockhounds find liandratite

Classic worldwide localities

Antsakoa I pegmatite, Fianavantsoa, near Berere, about 40 km northeast of Tsaratanana, Madagascar

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In a zoned pegmatite in amphibolite-grade gneiss, as an oxidized crust over petscheckite. If you start seeing petscheckite, columbite, pyrochlore in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: encrustations, metamict. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify liandratite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. Luster: glassy. The streak is pale yellow. Common colors include yellow, brown, brownish yellow.

Where is liandratite found?+

Notable localities include Antsakoa I pegmatite, Fianavantsoa, near Berere, about 40 km northeast of Tsaratanana, Madagascar.

Is liandratite safe to handle?+

Liandratite contains uranium or thorium and calls for real care. Contains uranium; store in a shielded container and wash hands thoroughly after handling to minimize radiation exposure.

What minerals are found with liandratite?+

Liandratite commonly co-occurs with Petscheckite, Columbite, Pyrochlore, Strüverite, Monazite, Ilmenite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does liandratite form in?+

Where it forms: In a zoned pegmatite in amphibolite-grade gneiss, as an oxidized crust over petscheckite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is liandratite used for?+

Liandratite is used in collector, scientific study.

Find liandratite on the map

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