Metarauchite is a very rare secondary uranium-nickel arsenate mineral typically found as a result of the dehydration of rauchite. It commonly appears as small, thin, yellow tabular crystals or crusts within hydrothermal vein systems rich in nickel and uranium.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Metarauchite

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

Is this metarauchite?

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 metarauchite with a known reference. Metarauchite 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. Metarauchite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Metarauchite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Metarauchite and pearly on Meta-autunite.

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Often found alongside metarauchite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ni(UO₂)₂(AsO₄)₂·8H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 4.21 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-green
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Crusts
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find metarauchite

Classic worldwide localities

Jáchymov, Czech Republic
Schneeberg, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where metarauchite typically forms. If you start seeing rauchite, uraninite, nickelskutterudite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify metarauchite?+

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

Where is metarauchite found?+

Notable localities include Jáchymov, Czech Republic; Schneeberg, Germany.

How much is metarauchite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is metarauchite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. Contains uranium and arsenic. Handle with gloves and wash hands thoroughly after contact. Do not inhale dust or store in living areas. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like metarauchite?+

Metarauchite is most often confused with Rauchite, Meta-autunite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with metarauchite?+

Metarauchite commonly co-occurs with Rauchite, Uraninite, Nickelskutterudite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does metarauchite form in?+

Metarauchite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is metarauchite used for?+

Metarauchite is used in collector.

Find metarauchite on the map

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