Meta-ankoleite is a rare secondary uranium phosphate mineral that often forms as thin, yellow, plate-like crystals. It is typically found in the oxidized zones of uranium-bearing hydrothermal deposits and is highly sought after by radioactive mineral collectors due to its intense green fluorescence.
Is this meta-ankoleite?
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 meta-ankoleite with a known reference. Meta-ankoleite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Meta-ankoleite leaves a pale yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Meta-ankoleite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, micaceous aggregates.
Often confused with
Meta-ankoleite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Meta-ankoleite leaves pale yellow, Meta-autunite leaves yellow.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Meta-ankoleite leaves pale yellow, Torbernite leaves pale green; luster reads pearly on Meta-ankoleite and vitreous on Torbernite.
Often found alongside meta-ankoleite
Minerals reported to co-occur with meta-ankoleite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₂(UO₂)₂(PO₄)₂·6H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale Yellow
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Micaceous Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Fluorescence
- Bright Green Under UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Uranium Deposits, Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $30-150 thumbnail, $200-500 cabinet
Where rockhounds find meta-ankoleite
Classic worldwide localities
- Ankole, Uganda
- Gabe Gottes Mine, Germany
- Menzenschwand, Germany
- Tyrol, Austria
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized uranium deposits, hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where meta-ankoleite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, autunite, torbernite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, micaceous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify meta-ankoleite?+
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How much is meta-ankoleite worth?+
Is meta-ankoleite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like meta-ankoleite?+
What minerals are found with meta-ankoleite?+
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Find meta-ankoleite on the map
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