Arsenovanmeersscheite is a rare secondary uranium mineral typically found in weathered granite pegmatites. It usually forms distinct, bright yellow acicular crystal sprays and is highly prized by advanced collectors of radioactive species.
Is this arsenovanmeersscheite?
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 arsenovanmeersscheite with a known reference. Arsenovanmeersscheite 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. Arsenovanmeersscheite leaves a yellowish streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Arsenovanmeersscheite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, bright yellow, orange-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, radiating sprays.
Often confused with
Arsenovanmeersscheite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Arsenovanmeersscheite leaves yellowish, Vanmeersscheite leaves yellow.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Arsenovanmeersscheite leaves yellowish, Autunite leaves pale yellow; luster reads vitreous on Arsenovanmeersscheite and pearly on Autunite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Arsenovanmeersscheite leaves yellowish, Meta-autunite leaves yellow; luster reads vitreous on Arsenovanmeersscheite and pearly on Meta-autunite.
Often found alongside arsenovanmeersscheite
Minerals reported to co-occur with arsenovanmeersscheite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- U⁶⁺(UO₂)₃(AsO₄)₂(OH)₂·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 4.2-4.5 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellowish
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular Crystals, Radiating Sprays
- Cleavage
- Good On (010) and (001)
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
Where rockhounds find arsenovanmeersscheite
Classic worldwide localities
- Menzenschwand, southern Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country, the host setting where arsenovanmeersscheite typically forms. If you start seeing vanmeersscheite, metavanmeersscheite, phosphuranylite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, radiating sprays habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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