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

Mohs

Luster

Resinous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareTapiolite Group family

Liandratite

Hardness: 4
Luster: Resinous
Streak: White
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 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Liandratite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Liandratite typically shows a resinous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular.

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: U(Nb,Ta)₂O₈
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 6.14 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Resinous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Study
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail size

Where rockhounds find liandratite

Classic worldwide localities

Antsohihy, Madagascar
Manjaka, Madagascar

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where liandratite typically forms. If you start seeing columbite, beryl, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify liandratite?+

Mohs hardness is 4. It typically shows a resinous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, yellow-brown.

Where is liandratite found?+

Notable localities include Antsohihy, Madagascar; Manjaka, Madagascar.

How much is liandratite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 thumbnail size. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is liandratite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. Contains uranium; store in a shielded container and wash hands thoroughly after handling to minimize radiation exposure. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What minerals are found with liandratite?+

Liandratite commonly co-occurs with Columbite, Beryl, Quartz, Microcline. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does liandratite form in?+

Liandratite typically forms in granite pegmatites. 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.