Metavanuralite is a rare aluminum uranium vanadate, typically yellow to greenish yellow. It is a dehydration product of vanuralite. It was first described from Mounana uranium mine, Franceville, Gabon.
Is this metavanuralite?
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 metavanuralite with a known reference. Metavanuralite sits at Mohs 2, 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: pearly.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lemon.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: microscopic crystals.
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 vitreous on Vanuralite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Metavanuralite leaves light yellow, Carnotite leaves strontian-yellow; luster reads pearly on Metavanuralite and dull, earthy; silky when crystalline on Carnotite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Metavanuralite and adamantine, pearly on {001}, may be dull to waxy if massive on Tyuyamunite.
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
- Al(UO₂)₂(VO₄)₂(OH)·8H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 3.6 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light yellow
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Semitransparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Microscopic crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In the oxidized zone of a lead-bearing U–V deposit, formed as a reversible dehydration product of vanuralite
Where rockhounds find metavanuralite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mounana uranium mine, Franceville, Gabon
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In the oxidized zone of a lead-bearing U–V deposit, formed as a reversible dehydration product of vanuralite. If you start seeing vanuralite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: microscopic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find metavanuralite on the map
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