Metarossite is a rare vanadium mineral that forms as an alteration product of rossite in oxidized vanadium-uranium deposits. It is most commonly found as bright yellow, powdery or crust-like efflorescences on the surface of sandstone specimens. Collectors typically identify it by its specific association with other vanadium minerals in the Colorado Plateau region.
Is this metarossite?
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 metarossite with a known reference. Metarossite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Metarossite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Metarossite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, orange-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: massive, pulverulent, or efflorescent crusts.
Often confused with
Metarossite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Metarossite and pearly on Rossite.
How to tell apart: Metarossite is noticeably harder (Mohs 2 vs. approx 1); streak differs — Metarossite leaves yellow, Hewettite leaves brownish red; luster reads vitreous on Metarossite and pearly on Hewettite.
Often found alongside metarossite
Minerals reported to co-occur with metarossite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca(V₂O₆)·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.44 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Pulverulent, Or Efflorescent Crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Vanadium-uranium Bearing Sandstone
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail to miniature
Where rockhounds find metarossite
Classic worldwide localities
- Paradox Valley, Colorado, USA
- San Miguel County, Colorado, USA
- Grand County, Utah, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in vanadium-uranium bearing sandstone country — that is the host setting where metarossite typically forms. If you start seeing rossite, hewettite, carnotite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, pulverulent, or efflorescent crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find metarossite on the map
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