Metavanuralite is a rare secondary vanadium mineral that typically forms as bright yellow, thin platy crystals or radial sprays within oxidized sandstone. It is most often identified by its association with other uranium and vanadium minerals in the Colorado Plateau region. Collectors should be cautious when handling due to the potential presence of toxic vanadium and radioactive associated species.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrarenull family

Metavanuralite

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

No image

Is this metavanuralite?

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 metavanuralite with a known reference. Metavanuralite 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. Metavanuralite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Metavanuralite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, bright yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, radial aggregates.

Often confused with

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

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

Often found alongside metavanuralite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca(V₂O₆)₂·8H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 3.5 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Bright Yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Radial Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect On {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Sedimentary Sandstone Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find metavanuralite

Classic worldwide localities

Colorado, USA
Utah, USA
Arizona, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary sandstone deposits country — that is the host setting where metavanuralite typically forms. If you start seeing carnotite, tyuyamunite, hewettite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify metavanuralite?+

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

Where is metavanuralite found?+

Notable localities include Colorado, USA; Utah, USA; Arizona, USA.

How much is metavanuralite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is metavanuralite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains vanadium which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust when collecting. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like metavanuralite?+

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

What minerals are found with metavanuralite?+

Metavanuralite commonly co-occurs with Carnotite, Tyuyamunite, Hewettite, Gypsum. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does metavanuralite form in?+

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

What is metavanuralite used for?+

Metavanuralite is used in collector.

Find metavanuralite on the map

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