Vanuralite is a rare secondary uranium-vanadium mineral typically found as bright yellow platy crystals or thin crusts in the oxidized zones of uranium deposits. Collectors should look for its distinctive pearly luster and association with other secondary uranium minerals in oxidized ore bodies.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Vanuralite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Pearly
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this vanuralite?

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 vanuralite with a known reference. Vanuralite 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. Vanuralite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Vanuralite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, bright yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, radial aggregates, coatings.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Carnotite

Mohs 2

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Vanuralite and dull on Carnotite.

Often found alongside vanuralite

Minerals reported to co-occur with vanuralite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Ba(UO₂)₂(V₂O₈)·11H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 3.8 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Bright Yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Radial Aggregates, Coatings
Cleavage: Perfect On {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Uranium-vanadium Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per thumbnail specimen

Where rockhounds find vanuralite

Classic worldwide localities

Mounana mine, Gabon
Jáchymov, Czech Republic
Colorado Plateau, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of uranium-vanadium deposits country — that is the host setting where vanuralite typically forms. If you start seeing francevillite, curite, kasolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, radial aggregates, coatings habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify vanuralite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, bright yellow.

Where is vanuralite found?+

Notable localities include Mounana mine, Gabon; Jáchymov, Czech Republic; Colorado Plateau, USA.

How much is vanuralite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per thumbnail specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is vanuralite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. Contains uranium and vanadium; wear gloves when handling, avoid inhaling dust, and store in a sealed, lead-lined container away from living areas. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like vanuralite?+

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

What minerals are found with vanuralite?+

Vanuralite commonly co-occurs with Francevillite, Curite, Kasolite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does vanuralite form in?+

Vanuralite typically forms in oxidized zones of uranium-vanadium deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is vanuralite used for?+

Vanuralite is used in collector.

Find vanuralite on the map

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