Vandenbrandeite is a rare copper-uranium mineral typically found as emerald-green platy or tabular crystals in oxidized zones of uranium deposits. It is a prized specimen for radioactive mineral collectors, most famously originating from the Shinkolobwe mine in the Congo.
Is this vandenbrandeite?
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 vandenbrandeite with a known reference. Vandenbrandeite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vandenbrandeite leaves a light green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Vandenbrandeite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, dark green, emerald green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, tabular, aggregates.
Often confused with
Vandenbrandeite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Kasolite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4-5 vs. 3); streak differs, so Vandenbrandeite leaves light green, Kasolite leaves yellow; luster reads vitreous on Vandenbrandeite and greasy on Kasolite.
How to tell apart: Curite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4-5 vs. 3); streak differs, so Vandenbrandeite leaves light green, Curite leaves orange; luster reads vitreous on Vandenbrandeite and adamantine on Curite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Vandenbrandeite leaves light green, Torbernite leaves pale green.
Often found alongside vandenbrandeite
Minerals reported to co-occur with vandenbrandeite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CuUO₄·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 5.02 g/cm³
- Streak
- Light Green
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Tabular, Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Uranium Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find vandenbrandeite
Classic worldwide localities
- Shinkolobwe Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Musonoi Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized uranium ore deposits country, the host setting where vandenbrandeite typically forms. If you start seeing curite, kasolite, becquerelite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, tabular, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find vandenbrandeite on the map
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