Marićite is a rare sodium iron phosphate mineral usually found as massive grains or aggregates within phosphate-rich sedimentary environments. It is best identified through laboratory analysis as it lacks distinct crystal faces and is visually similar to other phosphate minerals found in iron-rich strata.
Is this marićite?
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 marićite with a known reference. Marićite sits at Mohs 4-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Marićite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Marićite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, gray, yellowish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: granular, massive, rarely in distorted prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Marićite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside marićite
Minerals reported to co-occur with marićite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaFePO₄
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 3.66 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Granular, Massive, Rarely in Distorted Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Phosphate-rich Sedimentary Iron Formations, Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and association
Where rockhounds find marićite
Classic worldwide localities
- Big Fish River, Yukon, Canada
- Kovdor Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in phosphate-rich sedimentary iron formations, hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where marićite typically forms. If you start seeing siderite, quartz, vivianite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular, massive, rarely in distorted prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify marićite?+
Where is marićite found?+
How much is marićite worth?+
What rocks look like marićite?+
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Find marićite on the map
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