Meyrowitzite is an extremely rare secondary uranium mineral typically occurring as delicate acicular to fibrous yellow crystals. It is primarily found as a localized mineral crust within uranium-bearing sandstone deposits and is prized by serious collectors of uranyl minerals.
Is this meyrowitzite?
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 meyrowitzite with a known reference. Meyrowitzite 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. Meyrowitzite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Meyrowitzite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular or fibrous crystal aggregates.
Often confused with
Meyrowitzite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside meyrowitzite
Minerals reported to co-occur with meyrowitzite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₄(UO₂)₂[Si₄O₁₀(OH)₄]₂·18H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.16 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular or Fibrous Crystal Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Sedimentary Sandstone Uranium Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find meyrowitzite
Classic worldwide localities
- Repete Mine, San Juan County, Utah, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in sedimentary sandstone uranium deposits country — that is the host setting where meyrowitzite typically forms. If you start seeing gypsum, uranophane, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular or fibrous crystal aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify meyrowitzite?+
Where is meyrowitzite found?+
How much is meyrowitzite worth?+
Is meyrowitzite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like meyrowitzite?+
What minerals are found with meyrowitzite?+
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Find meyrowitzite on the map
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