Metaschoderite is an extremely rare phosphate-vanadate mineral often found in association with schoderite in phosphate-rich sediment. It typically forms as delicate, platy crystals that require careful handling due to their low hardness and fragile structure. It is primarily a collector's mineral found in specific localities like the Goldfield District of Nevada.
Is this metaschoderite?
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 metaschoderite with a known reference. Metaschoderite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Metaschoderite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Metaschoderite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.
Often confused with
Metaschoderite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside metaschoderite
Minerals reported to co-occur with metaschoderite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Al₂(PO₄)(VO₄)·8H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.12 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Sedimentary Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find metaschoderite
Classic worldwide localities
- Goldfield, Nevada, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in sedimentary deposits country — that is the host setting where metaschoderite typically forms. If you start seeing schoderite, barite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find metaschoderite on the map
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