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 4-4.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, gray, gray white, light brown.
- 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
- 4-4.5
- Density
- 3.66 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Granular, massive, rarely in distorted prismatic crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In phosphatic nodules in sideritic ironstones
Where rockhounds find marićite
Classic worldwide localities
- Big Fish River area, Yukon Territory, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In phosphatic nodules in sideritic ironstones. If you start seeing ludlamite, vivianite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: granular, massive, rarely in distorted prismatic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify marićite?+
Where is marićite found?+
What rocks look like marićite?+
What minerals are found with marićite?+
What kind of rock does marićite form in?+
What is marićite used for?+
Find marićite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
