Vandermeerscheite is a rare potassium uranium vanadate. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2018, from material found in Germany.
Is this vandermeerscheite?
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 vandermeerscheite with a known reference. Vandermeerscheite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vandermeerscheite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Vandermeerscheite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular to blocky crystals.
Often confused with
Vandermeerscheite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Vandermeerscheite leaves yellow, Autunite leaves pale yellow; luster reads vitreous on Vandermeerscheite and pearly on Autunite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Vandermeerscheite leaves yellow, Torbernite leaves pale green.
Often found alongside vandermeerscheite
Minerals reported to co-occur with vandermeerscheite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₂[(UO₂)₂V₂O₈]·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 4.57 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular to Blocky Crystals
- Cleavage
- Good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Uranium-bearing Copper-cobalt Deposits
Where rockhounds find vandermeerscheite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kamoto East Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of uranium-bearing copper-cobalt deposits country, the host setting where vandermeerscheite typically forms. If you start seeing parsonsite, saleeite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular to blocky crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify vandermeerscheite?+
Where is vandermeerscheite found?+
Is vandermeerscheite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like vandermeerscheite?+
What minerals are found with vandermeerscheite?+
What kind of rock does vandermeerscheite form in?+
What is vandermeerscheite used for?+
Find vandermeerscheite on the map
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