Pseudomeisserite-(NH4) is an extremely rare sulfate mineral formed primarily in anthropogenic environments like burning coal spoil heaps. It typically appears as small tabular crystals or crusts and is identified by its specific occurrence in high-temperature, sulfate-rich combustion zones.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Pseudomeisserite-(NH4)

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this pseudomeisserite-(nh4)?

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 pseudomeisserite-(nh4) with a known reference. Pseudomeisserite-(NH4) 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. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts.

Often confused with

Pseudomeisserite-(NH4) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Pseudomeisserite-(NH4) leaves white, Meisserite leaves very pale yellow.

Often found alongside pseudomeisserite-(nh4)

Minerals reported to co-occur with pseudomeisserite-(nh4). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: (NH₄)₂Na₄[(UO₂)₂(SO₄)₅](H₂O)₄
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 1.74 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular crystals, crusts
Cleavage: Good
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: burning coal mine dumps

Where rockhounds find pseudomeisserite-(nh4)

Classic worldwide localities

Tula region, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: burning coal mine dumps. If you start seeing gypsum, anhydrite, ettringite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify pseudomeisserite-(nh4)?+

Mohs hardness is 2. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is pseudomeisserite-(nh4) found?+

Notable localities include Tula region, Russia.

Is pseudomeisserite-(nh4) safe to handle?+

Pseudomeisserite-(NH4) contains uranium or thorium and calls for real care. Wash your hands afterwards, never grind or breathe the dust, and store it apart from specimens you handle often.

What rocks look like pseudomeisserite-(nh4)?+

Pseudomeisserite-(NH4) is most often confused with Meisserite, Glauberite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with pseudomeisserite-(nh4)?+

Pseudomeisserite-(NH4) commonly co-occurs with Gypsum, Anhydrite, Ettringite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does pseudomeisserite-(nh4) form in?+

Where it forms: burning coal mine dumps. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is pseudomeisserite-(nh4) used for?+

Pseudomeisserite-(NH4) is used in collector.

Find pseudomeisserite-(nh4) on the map

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