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 — that is 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?+
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How much is marićite worth?+
What rocks look like marićite?+
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Find marićite on the map
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