Metaswitzerite is a rare phosphate mineral formed as an alteration product in phosphate-rich granite pegmatites. It is typically found as small, fragile, pearly platy crystals or granular masses, often associated with other rare phosphate minerals in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Is this metaswitzerite?
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 metaswitzerite with a known reference. Metaswitzerite 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. Metaswitzerite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Metaswitzerite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow, pale orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular aggregates.
Often confused with
Metaswitzerite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside metaswitzerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with metaswitzerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mn₃(PO₄)₂·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.44 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Granular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find metaswitzerite
Classic worldwide localities
- Big Chief Mine, South Dakota, USA
- Nickel Plate Mine, South Dakota, USA
- Tip Top Mine, South Dakota, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where metaswitzerite typically forms. If you start seeing triphylite, hureaulite, dickinsonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify metaswitzerite?+
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How much is metaswitzerite worth?+
What rocks look like metaswitzerite?+
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Find metaswitzerite on the map
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