Vandendriesscheite is a secondary uranium mineral often found as bright orange to yellow tabular or platy crystals in the oxidation zones of uranium deposits. Due to its intense radioactivity and lead content, it is strictly for advanced collectors who follow rigorous safety protocols.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Vandendriesscheite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Pearly
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this vandendriesscheite?

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 vandendriesscheite with a known reference. Vandendriesscheite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vandendriesscheite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Vandendriesscheite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: orange, yellow, orange-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, tabular, massive.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Curite

Mohs 4-5

How to tell apart: Curite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4-5 vs. 3); streak differs — Vandendriesscheite leaves yellow, Curite leaves orange; luster reads pearly on Vandendriesscheite and adamantine on Curite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Vandendriesscheite leaves yellow, Fourmarierite leaves orange-yellow; luster reads pearly on Vandendriesscheite and adamantine on Fourmarierite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Vandendriesscheite and adamantine on Becquerelite.

Compare →

Often found alongside vandendriesscheite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₁₋₁₆(UO₂)₁₀O₆(OH)₁₂·11H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 5.5 g/cm³
Colors: Orange Yellow Orange-yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Tabular, Massive
Cleavage: Perfect in One Direction
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zone of Uranium-rich Hydrothermal Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and association

Where rockhounds find vandendriesscheite

Classic worldwide localities

Shinkolobwe Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Musonoi Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Wölsendorf, Germany
Great Bear Lake, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zone of uranium-rich hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where vandendriesscheite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, curite, fourmarierite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, tabular, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify vandendriesscheite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include orange, yellow, orange-yellow.

Where is vandendriesscheite found?+

Notable localities include Shinkolobwe Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Musonoi Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Wölsendorf, Germany; Great Bear Lake, Canada.

How much is vandendriesscheite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen depending on size and association. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is vandendriesscheite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. This mineral is radioactive and contains lead. Always store in a labeled, shielded container and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Avoid dust inhalation. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like vandendriesscheite?+

Vandendriesscheite is most often confused with Curite, Fourmarierite, Becquerelite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with vandendriesscheite?+

Vandendriesscheite commonly co-occurs with Uraninite, Curite, Fourmarierite, Soddyite, Kasolite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does vandendriesscheite form in?+

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

What is vandendriesscheite used for?+

Vandendriesscheite is used in collector.

Find vandendriesscheite on the map

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