Metazeunerite is a copper uranyl arsenate that typically forms in the oxidized zones of uranium deposits. Collectors should look for thin, square, emerald-green tabular crystals or bright green crusts, which are often mistaken for the closely related Zeunerite.

Hardness

2-2.5

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

Pale Green

Transparency

Transparent

mineraluncommonMeta-autunite Group family

Metazeunerite

Hardness: 2-2.5
Luster: Pearly
Streak: Pale Green
Transparency: Transparent

Is this metazeunerite?

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 metazeunerite with a known reference. Metazeunerite sits at Mohs 2-2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Metazeunerite leaves a pale green streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Metazeunerite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: emerald-green, apple-green, yellow-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, micaceous aggregates, crusts.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Metazeunerite and vitreous on Torbernite.

Compare →

Often found alongside metazeunerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu(UO₂)₂(AsO₄)₂·8H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-2.5
Density: 3.5-3.6 g/cm³
Colors: Emerald-green Apple-green Yellow-green
Streak: Pale Green
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Micaceous Aggregates, Crusts
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Fluorescence: Bright Green Under UV
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Uranium-bearing Hydrothermal Deposits
Typical price: $20-150 for thumbnail to cabinet specimens

Where rockhounds find metazeunerite

Classic worldwide localities

Schneeberg, Germany
Cornwall, England
Wheal Buller, United Kingdom
Utah, USA
Katanga, DR Congo

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of uranium-bearing hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where metazeunerite typically forms. If you start seeing zeunerite, pharmacosiderite, scorodite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, micaceous aggregates, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify metazeunerite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-2.5. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is pale green. Common colors include emerald-green, apple-green, yellow-green.

Where is metazeunerite found?+

Notable localities include Schneeberg, Germany; Cornwall, England; Wheal Buller, United Kingdom; Utah, USA; Katanga, DR Congo.

How much is metazeunerite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 for thumbnail to cabinet specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is metazeunerite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. Contains uranium and arsenic. Handle with caution, use gloves, avoid dust inhalation, and wash hands thoroughly after contact. Store in a lead-lined container or a sealed box away from living areas. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like metazeunerite?+

Metazeunerite is most often confused with Zeunerite, Torbernite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with metazeunerite?+

Metazeunerite commonly co-occurs with Zeunerite, Pharmacosiderite, Scorodite, Uraninite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does metazeunerite form in?+

Metazeunerite typically forms in oxidized zones of uranium-bearing hydrothermal deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is metazeunerite used for?+

Metazeunerite is used in collector.

Find metazeunerite on the map

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