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.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Transparent to translucent

mineralrareSchoderite family

Metaschoderite

Hardness: ~2
Luster: Pearly
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Transparent to translucent

Is this metaschoderite?

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 metaschoderite with a known reference. Metaschoderite sits at Mohs ~2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: yellow.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: pearly.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Variscite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4.5 vs. ~2); streak differs, so Metaschoderite leaves yellow, Variscite leaves white; luster reads pearly on Metaschoderite and vitreous to waxy on Variscite.

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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)·6H₂O
Mohs hardness: ~2
Density: 1.88 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow orange
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy crystals
Cleavage: Perfect on {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Typically a dehydration product of schoderite

Where rockhounds find metaschoderite

Classic worldwide localities

Van-Nav-Sand claim group, Fish Creek Range, 48 km south of Eureka, Eureka Co., California and near Cockalorum Wash, Nye Co., Nevada, USA (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: Typically a dehydration product of schoderite. If you start seeing schoderite, wavellite, vashegyite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify metaschoderite?+

Mohs hardness is ~2. Luster: pearly. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow orange.

Where is metaschoderite found?+

Notable localities include Van-Nav-Sand claim group, Fish Creek Range, 48 km south of Eureka, Eureka Co., California and near Cockalorum Wash, Nye Co., Nevada, USA (type locality).

Is metaschoderite safe to handle?+

Metaschoderite contains vanadium. Wash your hands afterwards, never grind or breathe the dust, and store it apart from specimens you handle often.

What rocks look like metaschoderite?+

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

What minerals are found with metaschoderite?+

Metaschoderite commonly co-occurs with Schoderite, Wavellite, Vashegyite, Metahewettite, Bokite, Minyulite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does metaschoderite form in?+

Where it forms: Typically a dehydration product of schoderite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is metaschoderite used for?+

Metaschoderite is used in collector.

Find metaschoderite on the map

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