Vandermeerscheite is a rare potassium uranium vanadate. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2018, from material found in Germany.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Vandermeerscheite

Vandermeerscheite is a rare potassium uranium vanadate. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2018, from material found in Germany.

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

Is this vandermeerscheite?

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 vandermeerscheite with a known reference. Vandermeerscheite 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: yellow.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular to blocky crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Autunite

Mohs 2-2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Vandermeerscheite leaves yellow, Autunite leaves pale yellow.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Vandermeerscheite leaves yellow, Torbernite leaves pale green.

Compare →

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.

Parsonsite
mineral · Mohs 2.5-3

All properties

Chemical formula: K₂[(UO₂)₂V₂O₈]·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 4.57 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-green
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular to blocky crystals
Cleavage: Good
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: oxidized zones of uranium-bearing copper-cobalt deposits

Where rockhounds find vandermeerscheite

Classic worldwide localities

Kamoto East Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: oxidized zones of uranium-bearing copper-cobalt deposits. If you start seeing parsonsite, saleeite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular to blocky crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify vandermeerscheite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. Luster: vitreous. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, yellow-green.

Where is vandermeerscheite found?+

Notable localities include Kamoto East Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Is vandermeerscheite safe to handle?+

Vandermeerscheite contains uranium or thorium and vanadium and calls for real care. Contains uranium and is radioactive; store it apart from other specimens. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust.

What rocks look like vandermeerscheite?+

Vandermeerscheite is most often confused with Autunite, Torbernite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with vandermeerscheite?+

Vandermeerscheite commonly co-occurs with Parsonsite, Saleeite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does vandermeerscheite form in?+

Where it forms: oxidized zones of uranium-bearing copper-cobalt deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is vandermeerscheite used for?+

Vandermeerscheite is used in collector.

Find vandermeerscheite on the map

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