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 — 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 — that is 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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