Metadelrioite is an extremely rare vanadium mineral typically found as small, yellow, transparent crystals. It is chemically related to delrioite and occurs primarily in oxidized zones of uranium-vanadium deposits in sandstone.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Metadelrioite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this metadelrioite?

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 metadelrioite with a known reference. Metadelrioite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Metadelrioite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Metadelrioite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, greenish-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Metadelrioite and dull on Carnotite.

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Often found alongside metadelrioite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaSrV₂O₆(OH)₂·4H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 3.83 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Greenish-yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Uranium-vanadium Bearing Sandstone
Typical price: $100-500 depending on specimen quality

Where rockhounds find metadelrioite

Classic worldwide localities

Vanadium Queen Mine, Utah, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in uranium-vanadium bearing sandstone country — that is the host setting where metadelrioite typically forms. If you start seeing delrioite, carnotite, tyuyamunite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify metadelrioite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, greenish-yellow.

Where is metadelrioite found?+

Notable localities include Vanadium Queen Mine, Utah, USA.

How much is metadelrioite worth?+

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

Is metadelrioite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains vanadium, which can be toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust; wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like metadelrioite?+

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

What minerals are found with metadelrioite?+

Metadelrioite commonly co-occurs with delrioite, carnotite, tyuyamunite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does metadelrioite form in?+

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

What is metadelrioite used for?+

Metadelrioite is used in collector.

Find metadelrioite on the map

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