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, 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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