Metavanuralite is a rare aluminum uranium vanadate, typically yellow to greenish yellow. It is a dehydration product of vanuralite. It was first described from Mounana uranium mine, Franceville, Gabon.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Metavanuralite

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

No image

Is this metavanuralite?

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

Often confused with

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

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

Often found alongside metavanuralite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Al(UO₂)₂(VO₄)₂(OH)·8H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Colors: Yellow Greenish Yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Radial Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect On {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Sedimentary Sandstone Deposits

Where rockhounds find metavanuralite

Classic worldwide localities

Colorado, USA
Utah, USA
Arizona, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary sandstone deposits country, the host setting where metavanuralite typically forms. If you start seeing carnotite, tyuyamunite, hewettite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify metavanuralite?+

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

Where is metavanuralite found?+

Notable localities include Colorado, USA; Utah, USA; Arizona, USA.

Is metavanuralite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. Contains uranium and is radioactive; store it apart from other specimens. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like metavanuralite?+

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

What minerals are found with metavanuralite?+

Metavanuralite commonly co-occurs with Carnotite, Tyuyamunite, Hewettite, Gypsum. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does metavanuralite form in?+

Metavanuralite typically forms in sedimentary sandstone deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is metavanuralite used for?+

Metavanuralite is used in collector.

Find metavanuralite on the map

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