Metavanmeersscheite is a rare secondary uranium phosphate mineral that typically occurs as small, vibrant yellow platy crystals or crusts. It is most famously associated with the unique mineralogy of the Kobokobo pegmatite in the DRC. Due to its radioactive nature and scarcity, it is sought after primarily by advanced radioactive mineral collectors.
Is this metavanmeersscheite?
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 metavanmeersscheite with a known reference. Metavanmeersscheite 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. Streak: light yellow.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: canary yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Metavanmeersscheite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside metavanmeersscheite
Minerals reported to co-occur with metavanmeersscheite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- U(UO₂)₃(PO₄)₂(OH)₆·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 4.49 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Semitransparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy crystals, crusts, radial aggregates
- Cleavage
- Good on {010}; fair on {100}
- Fluorescence
- Green under SW and LW UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A rare secondary mineral in the uraniferous zone of an altered granite pegmatite, formed by dehydration of vanmeersscheite
Where rockhounds find metavanmeersscheite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kobokobo pegmatite, Lusungu River district, Kivu Province, Congo (Zaire)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A rare secondary mineral in the uraniferous zone of an altered granite pegmatite, formed by dehydration of vanmeersscheite. If you start seeing vanmeersscheite, studtite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, radial aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify metavanmeersscheite?+
Where is metavanmeersscheite found?+
Is metavanmeersscheite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like metavanmeersscheite?+
What minerals are found with metavanmeersscheite?+
What kind of rock does metavanmeersscheite form in?+
What is metavanmeersscheite used for?+
Find metavanmeersscheite on the map
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