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. Metalodèvite leaves a pale yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Metalodèvite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, greenish-yellow.
- 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 — Metalodèvite leaves pale yellow, Meta-autunite leaves yellow.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Metalodèvite leaves pale yellow, Torbernite leaves pale green; luster reads pearly on Metalodèvite and vitreous 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
- 3.5-3.8 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale Yellow
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Micaceous Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Fluorescence
- Bright Yellow-green Under UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Uranium-bearing Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find metalodèvite
Classic worldwide localities
- Jachymov (Czech Republic)
- Wheal Buller (UK)
- Schneeberg (Germany)
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal uranium-bearing veins country — that is the host setting where metalodèvite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, zeunerite, scorodite 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 metalodèvite?+
Where is metalodèvite found?+
How much is metalodèvite worth?+
Is metalodèvite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like metalodèvite?+
What minerals are found with metalodèvite?+
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Find metalodèvite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
