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, so 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, 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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How much is metauranopilite worth?+
Is metauranopilite safe to handle?+
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Find metauranopilite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
