Metauranopilite is a rare uranyl sulfate mineral that typically forms as an alteration product in uranium-rich environments. Collectors seek it primarily for its intense, bright yellow-green fluorescence under long-wave ultraviolet light, which makes it a standout display piece for radioactive mineral collections.
Is this metauranopilite?
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 metauranopilite with a known reference. Metauranopilite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Metauranopilite leaves a pale yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Metauranopilite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, radiating sprays, earthy crusts.
Often confused with
Metauranopilite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Metauranopilite and pearly on Uranopilite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Metauranopilite leaves pale yellow, Zippeite leaves yellow; luster reads vitreous on Metauranopilite and pearly on Zippeite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Metauranopilite and pearly on Autunite.
Often found alongside metauranopilite
Minerals reported to co-occur with metauranopilite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (UO₂)₆(SO₄)O₂(OH)₆·8H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 4.15 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular Crystals, Radiating Sprays, Earthy Crusts
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Fluorescence
- Bright Yellow-green Under UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Uranium-bearing Hydrothermal Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and intensity of fluorescence
Where rockhounds find metauranopilite
Classic worldwide localities
- Jachymov, Czech Republic
- Schneeberg, Germany
- Great Bear Lake, Canada
- Happy Jack Mine, Utah, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of uranium-bearing hydrothermal ore deposits country — that is the host setting where metauranopilite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, gummite, fourmarierite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, radiating sprays, earthy crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify metauranopilite?+
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Find metauranopilite on the map
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