Vapnikite is a rare calcium uranium oxide that forms yellow-brown irregular masses. Associated minerals include larnite, brownmillerite and vorlanite. It was first described from Jabel Harmun and Nabi Musa, Judean desert, West Bank, Palestinian Autonomy, Israel.
Is this vapnikite?
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 vapnikite with a known reference. Vapnikite sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vapnikite leaves a yellowish white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Vapnikite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: irregular masses.
Often confused with
Vapnikite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Vapnikite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 2); streak differs, so Vapnikite leaves yellowish white, Ettringite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Vapnikite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 3.5); streak differs, so Vapnikite leaves yellowish white, Thaumasite leaves white.
Often found alongside vapnikite
Minerals reported to co-occur with vapnikite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₂CaUO₆
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 5.322 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Irregular Masses
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Pyrometamorphic Rocks of The Hatrurim Formation
Where rockhounds find vapnikite
Classic worldwide localities
- Hatrurim Formation, Israel
- Jordaan, Jordan
Field-hunting tip
Look in pyrometamorphic rocks of the hatrurim formation country, the host setting where vapnikite typically forms. If you start seeing brownmillerite, mayenite, fluorellestadite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a irregular masses habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify vapnikite?+
Where is vapnikite found?+
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Find vapnikite on the map
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