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

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Matyhite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this matyhite?

3-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
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
3
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive.

Often confused with

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

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: Ca₉(Ca₀.₅□₀.₅)Fe(PO₄)₇
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 2.8-2.9 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish-yellow
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular crystals, massive
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In an angrite meteorite as well-defined domains associated with Fe sulfide near the contact between fayalite-kirschsteinite overgrowth/symplectite and hedenbergite

Where rockhounds find matyhite

Classic worldwide localities

Matyhi, Southern Urals, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In an angrite meteorite as well-defined domains associated with Fe sulfide near the contact between fayalite-kirschsteinite overgrowth/symplectite and hedenbergite. If you start seeing kuratite, ulvöspinel, hedenbergite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify matyhite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. Common colors include yellow, brownish-yellow.

Where is matyhite found?+

Notable localities include Matyhi, Southern Urals, Russia.

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 Kuratite, Ulvöspinel, Hedenbergite, Fe sulfide. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does matyhite form in?+

Where it forms: In an angrite meteorite as well-defined domains associated with Fe sulfide near the contact between fayalite-kirschsteinite overgrowth/symplectite and hedenbergite. 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.