Metavariscite is a dimorph of variscite that typically occurs in phosphate-rich hydrothermal veins. Collectors usually identify it by its specific tabular crystal habit and distinct green color when found in association with other aluminum phosphates.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareVariscite Group family

Metavariscite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this metavariscite?

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 metavariscite with a known reference. Metavariscite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Metavariscite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Metavariscite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: green, yellow-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts, massive.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Variscite

Mohs 3.5-4.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Metavariscite and waxy on Variscite.

Often found alongside metavariscite

Minerals reported to co-occur with metavariscite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: AlPO₄·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 2.5 g/cm³
Colors: Green Yellow-green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Crusts, Massive
Cleavage: Perfect in One Direction
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Mineral Specimen
Host rock: Phosphate-rich Hydrothermal Deposits
Typical price: $20-150 for thumbnail to small cabinet specimens

Where rockhounds find metavariscite

Classic worldwide localities

Little Green Monster Mine, Utah, USA
Montebras, France
Cerro de los এখানকার, Spain
Odenwald, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in phosphate-rich hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where metavariscite typically forms. If you start seeing variscite, wardite, crandallite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, crusts, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify metavariscite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include green, yellow-green.

Where is metavariscite found?+

Notable localities include Little Green Monster Mine, Utah, USA; Montebras, France; Cerro de los এখানকার, Spain; Odenwald, Germany.

How much is metavariscite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 for thumbnail to small cabinet specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like metavariscite?+

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

What minerals are found with metavariscite?+

Metavariscite commonly co-occurs with Variscite, Wardite, Crandallite, Apatite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does metavariscite form in?+

Metavariscite typically forms in phosphate-rich hydrothermal deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is metavariscite used for?+

Metavariscite is used in collector, mineral specimen.

Find metavariscite on the map

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