Metaheinrichite is a rare secondary uranium mineral that forms distinct yellow to yellow-green tabular crystals. It is typically found in the oxidation zones of uranium-bearing hydrothermal deposits and is noted for its strong green fluorescence under ultraviolet light.
Is this metaheinrichite?
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 metaheinrichite with a known reference. Metaheinrichite 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. Metaheinrichite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Metaheinrichite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, micaceous aggregates.
Often confused with
Metaheinrichite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Metaheinrichite and pearly on Meta-autunite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Metaheinrichite leaves yellow, Torbernite leaves pale green.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Metaheinrichite leaves yellow, Zeunerite leaves pale green; luster reads vitreous on Metaheinrichite and pearly on Zeunerite.
Often found alongside metaheinrichite
Minerals reported to co-occur with metaheinrichite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ba(UO₂)₂(AsO₄)₂·8H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 3.5-3.6 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Micaceous Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Fluorescence
- Bright Green Under UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Uranium Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per thumbnail or small cabinet specimen
Where rockhounds find metaheinrichite
Classic worldwide localities
- Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany
- White Canyon, Utah, USA
- Grand County, Utah, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal uranium veins country — that is the host setting where metaheinrichite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, meta-zeunerite, pharmacosiderite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, micaceous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find metaheinrichite on the map
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