Metalodèvite is a rare secondary uranium mineral often found as small, yellow, micaceous or platy crystals in oxidized zones of uranium deposits. Collectors prize it for its intense fluorescence, though it requires specialized storage due to its radioactive nature.
Is this metalodèvite?
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 metalodèvite with a known reference. Metalodèvite sits at Mohs 2-2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: pearly.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: light yellow, olive green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, micaceous aggregates.
Often confused with
Metalodèvite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Metalodèvite leaves white, Autunite leaves pale yellow; luster reads pearly on Metalodèvite and vitreous, pearly on {001} on Autunite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Metalodèvite leaves white, Meta-autunite leaves yellow.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Metalodèvite leaves white, Torbernite leaves pale green; luster reads pearly on Metalodèvite and vitreous, subadamantine, waxy, pearly on cleavages; becoming dull on dehydration to metatorbernite on Torbernite.
Often found alongside metalodèvite
Minerals reported to co-occur with metalodèvite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Zn(UO₂)₂(AsO₄)₂·10H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-2.5
- Density
- 4 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy crystals, micaceous aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Fluorescence
- Feeble yellow green under SW and LW UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A rare secondary mineral formed by alteration of arsenic-bearing minerals
Where rockhounds find metalodèvite
Classic worldwide localities
- Sterling Hill, Ogdensburg, Sussex Co., New Jersey, USA
- Riviéral uranium deposit, Saint-Martin-du-Bosc, five km southeast of Lodève, and in the Mas-d’Alary uranium deposit, three km south-southeast of Lodève, Hérault, France
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A rare secondary mineral formed by alteration of arsenic-bearing minerals. If you start seeing sphalerite, coffinite, uraninite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals, micaceous aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify metalodèvite?+
Where is metalodèvite found?+
Is metalodèvite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like metalodèvite?+
What minerals are found with metalodèvite?+
What kind of rock does metalodèvite form in?+
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Find metalodèvite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
