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 — that is 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.