Metatyuyamunite is a secondary uranium mineral formed by the dehydration of tyuyamunite in arid environments. It is characterized by its bright yellow to yellow-green color and intense fluorescence under UV light, typically appearing as delicate crusts or microscopic plates.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareTyuyamunite Group family

Metatyuyamunite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Pearly
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this metatyuyamunite?

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 metatyuyamunite with a known reference. Metatyuyamunite 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. Metatyuyamunite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Metatyuyamunite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, or pulverulent masses.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Metatyuyamunite and dull on Carnotite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Metatyuyamunite leaves yellow, Autunite leaves pale yellow.

Compare →

Often found alongside metatyuyamunite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca(UO₂)₂(VO₄)₂·(5-8)H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 3.8-4.0 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-green
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Crusts, Or Pulverulent Masses
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Fluorescence: Bright Yellow-green Under SW UV
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Sedimentary Uranium-vanadium Deposits in Sandstone
Typical price: $20-200 per specimen depending on size and intensity of fluorescence

Where rockhounds find metatyuyamunite

Classic worldwide localities

Tyuya-Muyun, Kyrgyzstan
Colorado Plateau, USA
Utah, USA
New Mexico, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary uranium-vanadium deposits in sandstone country, the host setting where metatyuyamunite typically forms. If you start seeing tyuyamunite, carnotite, vanadinite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts, or pulverulent masses habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify metatyuyamunite?+

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

Where is metatyuyamunite found?+

Notable localities include Tyuya-Muyun, Kyrgyzstan; Colorado Plateau, USA; Utah, USA; New Mexico, USA.

How much is metatyuyamunite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-200 per specimen depending on size and intensity of fluorescence. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is metatyuyamunite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. Radioactive material; store in lead-lined containers and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Inhalation of dust is highly toxic due to both uranium content and vanadium toxicity. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like metatyuyamunite?+

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

What minerals are found with metatyuyamunite?+

Metatyuyamunite commonly co-occurs with Tyuyamunite, Carnotite, Vanadinite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does metatyuyamunite form in?+

Metatyuyamunite typically forms in sedimentary uranium-vanadium deposits in sandstone. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is metatyuyamunite used for?+

Metatyuyamunite is used in collector.

Find metatyuyamunite on the map

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