Magnesiopascoite is a rare vanadate mineral that typically forms as bright orange, tabular crystals or crusts in the oxidized zones of vanadium-bearing sandstone deposits. It is structurally related to pascoite and is most commonly identified by its distinct color and association with other secondary vanadium minerals in dry, arid environments.
Is this magnesiopascoite?
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 magnesiopascoite with a known reference. Magnesiopascoite 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. Magnesiopascoite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Magnesiopascoite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: orange, orange-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts, aggregates.
Often confused with
Magnesiopascoite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Magnesiopascoite leaves yellow, Sherwoodite leaves light blue.
How to tell apart: Magnesiopascoite is noticeably harder (Mohs 2 vs. approx 1); streak differs — Magnesiopascoite leaves yellow, Hewettite leaves brownish red; luster reads vitreous on Magnesiopascoite and pearly on Hewettite.
Often found alongside magnesiopascoite
Minerals reported to co-occur with magnesiopascoite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mg(V₁₀O₂₈)·19H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.64 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Crusts, Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Vanadium-uranium-bearing Sandstone Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on crystal size and quality
Where rockhounds find magnesiopascoite
Classic worldwide localities
- Colorado Plateau, USA
- San Rafael Swell, Utah
Field-hunting tip
Look in vanadium-uranium-bearing sandstone deposits country — that is the host setting where magnesiopascoite typically forms. If you start seeing gypsum, rossite, metarossite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, crusts, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify magnesiopascoite?+
Where is magnesiopascoite found?+
How much is magnesiopascoite worth?+
Is magnesiopascoite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like magnesiopascoite?+
What minerals are found with magnesiopascoite?+
What kind of rock does magnesiopascoite form in?+
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Find magnesiopascoite on the map
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