Metaschoepite is a secondary uranium mineral that forms through the dehydration of schoepite. It is typically found as small, bright yellow, platy crystals in the oxidation zones of uranium-rich ore bodies.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareSchoepite Group family

Metaschoepite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this metaschoepite?

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 metaschoepite with a known reference. Metaschoepite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Metaschoepite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Metaschoepite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, platy aggregates, crusts.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Metaschoepite leaves yellow, Autunite leaves pale yellow; luster reads adamantine on Metaschoepite and pearly on Autunite.

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Often found alongside metaschoepite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: UO₃·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 4.8 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Pale Yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Platy Aggregates, Crusts
Cleavage: Perfect
Fluorescence: Bright Yellow-green Under UV
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Uranium-bearing Hydrothermal Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per thumbnail specimen

Where rockhounds find metaschoepite

Classic worldwide localities

Shinkolobwe Mine, DR Congo
Johanngeorgenstadt, Germany
Great Bear Lake, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of uranium-bearing hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where metaschoepite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, soddyite, becquerelite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, platy aggregates, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify metaschoepite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, pale yellow.

Where is metaschoepite found?+

Notable localities include Shinkolobwe Mine, DR Congo; Johanngeorgenstadt, Germany; Great Bear Lake, Canada.

How much is metaschoepite worth?+

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

Is metaschoepite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. This mineral is radioactive and contains uranium; handle with gloves, store in a lead-lined container, and wash hands thoroughly after contact. Do not inhale dust or ingest particles. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like metaschoepite?+

Metaschoepite is most often confused with Schoepite, Becquerelite, Autunite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with metaschoepite?+

Metaschoepite commonly co-occurs with Uraninite, Soddyite, Becquerelite, Kasolite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does metaschoepite form in?+

Metaschoepite typically forms in oxidized zones of uranium-bearing hydrothermal deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is metaschoepite used for?+

Metaschoepite is used in collector.

Find metaschoepite on the map

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