Metavandendriesscheite is a rare secondary uranium mineral formed through the alteration of uraninite. Collectors should look for thin, platy yellow crystals often found as crusts or tiny radial sprays in the oxidation zones of uranium deposits.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareVandendriesscheite family

Metavandendriesscheite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this metavandendriesscheite?

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 metavandendriesscheite with a known reference. Metavandendriesscheite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: yellow.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: adamantine.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: orange, amber.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Curite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4-5 vs. 3); streak differs, so Metavandendriesscheite leaves yellow, Curite leaves orange.

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Often found alongside metavandendriesscheite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PbU₇O₂₂·nH₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 5.45 g/cm³
Colors: Orange Amber
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Prismatic
Cleavage: Perfect on {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In the oxidized zone of a uranium-bearing mineral deposit

Where rockhounds find metavandendriesscheite

Classic worldwide localities

Shinkolobwe, Katanga Province, Congo (Shaba Province, Zaire)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In the oxidized zone of a uranium-bearing mineral deposit. If you start seeing vandendriesscheite, fourmarierite, becquerelite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify metavandendriesscheite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. Luster: adamantine. The streak is yellow. Common colors include orange, amber.

Where is metavandendriesscheite found?+

Notable localities include Shinkolobwe, Katanga Province, Congo (Shaba Province, Zaire).

Is metavandendriesscheite safe to handle?+

Metavandendriesscheite contains lead and uranium or thorium and calls for real care. This mineral is radioactive and contains lead. Wear gloves when handling, avoid inhaling dust, and store in a lead-lined container or away from other specimens in a secure location.

What rocks look like metavandendriesscheite?+

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

What minerals are found with metavandendriesscheite?+

Metavandendriesscheite commonly co-occurs with Vandendriesscheite, Fourmarierite, Becquerelite, Metatorbernite, Rutherfordine, Uraninite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does metavandendriesscheite form in?+

Where it forms: In the oxidized zone of a uranium-bearing mineral deposit. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is metavandendriesscheite used for?+

Metavandendriesscheite is used in collector.

Find metavandendriesscheite on the map

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