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, 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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