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 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vanmeersscheite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Vanmeersscheite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular to prismatic crystals, often as radial sprays or crusts.
Often confused with
Vanmeersscheite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Vanmeersscheite leaves yellow, Autunite leaves pale yellow; luster reads vitreous on Vanmeersscheite and pearly on Autunite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Vanmeersscheite and earthy on Phosphuranylite.
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)₂(PO₄)₂(OH)₂·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 3.8-3.9 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular to Prismatic Crystals, Often as Radial Sprays or Crusts
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites (oxidized Zones)
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find vanmeersscheite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kobokobo pegmatite, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites (oxidized zones) country, the host setting where vanmeersscheite typically forms. If you start seeing metavanmeersscheite, renardite, sharpite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular to prismatic crystals, often as radial sprays or crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find vanmeersscheite on the map
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