Meisserite is a rare uranyl sulfate mineral typically found as small, bright yellow tabular crystals in oxidized uranium deposits. It is primarily known from the Blue Lizard mine in Utah, where it occurs as a secondary mineral in association with other rare sulfates. Due to its radioactive nature and extreme rarity, it is a highly specialized specimen for advanced mineral collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Meisserite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this meisserite?

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 meisserite with a known reference. Meisserite 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. Meisserite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Meisserite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, orange-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, subparallel aggregates.

Often confused with

Meisserite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Johannite

Mohs 2

How to tell apart: Meisserite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2); streak differs — Meisserite leaves white, Johannite leaves pale green.

Often found alongside meisserite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₆(UO₂)(SO₄)₄
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 3.37 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Orange-yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Subparallel Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Uranium-bearing Sandstone
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find meisserite

Classic worldwide localities

Blue Lizard mine, San Juan County, Utah, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in uranium-bearing sandstone country — that is the host setting where meisserite typically forms. If you start seeing johannite, zippeite, gypsum in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, subparallel aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify meisserite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, orange-yellow.

Where is meisserite found?+

Notable localities include Blue Lizard mine, San Juan County, Utah, USA.

How much is meisserite worth?+

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

Is meisserite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. Contains uranium and is radioactive; handle with care, store in a shielded container, and wash hands thoroughly after handling to prevent ingestion of dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like meisserite?+

Meisserite is most often confused with Johannite, Andersonite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with meisserite?+

Meisserite commonly co-occurs with Johannite, Zippeite, Gypsum. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does meisserite form in?+

Meisserite typically forms in uranium-bearing sandstone. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is meisserite used for?+

Meisserite is used in collector.

Find meisserite on the map

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