Vanmeersscheite is a rare secondary uranium phosphate mineral first discovered in the Kobokobo pegmatite. It typically forms delicate, needle-like yellow crystals or crusts in oxidized zones of uranium-rich pegmatites.
Is this vanmeersscheite?
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 vanmeersscheite with a known reference. Vanmeersscheite sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: light yellow.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: canary yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: pseudo hexagonal.
Often confused with
Vanmeersscheite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside vanmeersscheite
Minerals reported to co-occur with vanmeersscheite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- U(UO₂)₃(PO₄)₂(OH)₆·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 4.67 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Semitransparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Pseudo hexagonal
- Cleavage
- Good on {010}; fair on {100}
- Fluorescence
- Fluoresces bright green in SW and LW UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A rare secondary mineral in the uraniferous zone of an altered granite pegmatite
Where rockhounds find vanmeersscheite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kobokobo pegmatite, Lusungu River district, Kivu Province, Congo (Zaire)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A rare secondary mineral in the uraniferous zone of an altered granite pegmatite. If you start seeing metavanmeersscheite, studtite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: pseudo hexagonal. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify vanmeersscheite?+
Where is vanmeersscheite found?+
Is vanmeersscheite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like vanmeersscheite?+
What minerals are found with vanmeersscheite?+
What kind of rock does vanmeersscheite form in?+
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Find vanmeersscheite on the map
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