Vandermeerscheite is a rare secondary uranium mineral found primarily in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It typically presents as small, yellow, tabular crystals and requires careful handling due to its radioactive and toxic components.
Is this vandermeerscheite?
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 vandermeerscheite with a known reference. Vandermeerscheite 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. Vandermeerscheite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Vandermeerscheite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular to blocky crystals.
Often confused with
Vandermeerscheite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Vandermeerscheite leaves yellow, Autunite leaves pale yellow; luster reads vitreous on Vandermeerscheite and pearly on Autunite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Vandermeerscheite leaves yellow, Torbernite leaves pale green.
Often found alongside vandermeerscheite
Minerals reported to co-occur with vandermeerscheite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₃(UO₂)₂(PO₄)₂(OH)₂·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 4.57 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular to Blocky Crystals
- Cleavage
- Good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Uranium-bearing Copper-cobalt Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500 thumbnail specimen
Where rockhounds find vandermeerscheite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kamoto East Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of uranium-bearing copper-cobalt deposits country — that is the host setting where vandermeerscheite typically forms. If you start seeing parsonsite, saleeite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular to blocky crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify vandermeerscheite?+
Where is vandermeerscheite found?+
How much is vandermeerscheite worth?+
Is vandermeerscheite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like vandermeerscheite?+
What minerals are found with vandermeerscheite?+
What kind of rock does vandermeerscheite form in?+
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Find vandermeerscheite on the map
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