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, 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.