Matyhite is a rare aluminum phosphate mineral originally identified in the Southern Urals region of Russia. It typically appears as yellowish tabular crystals or massive aggregates found within phosphate-rich metamorphic environments.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Matyhite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this matyhite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch matyhite with a known reference. Matyhite sits at Mohs 3.5-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Matyhite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Matyhite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive.

Often confused with

Matyhite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Matyhite and waxy on Variscite.

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Often found alongside matyhite

Minerals reported to co-occur with matyhite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: CaAl₂(PO₄)₂(OH)₂·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 2.8-2.9 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish-yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find matyhite

Classic worldwide localities

Matyhi, Southern Urals, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic rocks country, the host setting where matyhite typically forms. If you start seeing variscite, wavellite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify matyhite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brownish-yellow.

Where is matyhite found?+

Notable localities include Matyhi, Southern Urals, Russia.

How much is matyhite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like matyhite?+

Matyhite is most often confused with Wavellite, Variscite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with matyhite?+

Matyhite commonly co-occurs with variscite, wavellite, quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does matyhite form in?+

Matyhite typically forms in metamorphic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is matyhite used for?+

Matyhite is used in collector.

Find matyhite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.