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.
Is this metavariscite?
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 metavariscite with a known reference. Metavariscite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: light green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal 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.
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
- Density
- 2.51-2.54 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals, crusts, massive
- Cleavage
- On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Mineral specimen
- Host rock
- Commonly a product of weathering phosphatic rocks; may form as concretions by the phosphatization of kaolin during weathering; probably a reaction product of phosphate fertilizer in acid soil
Where rockhounds find metavariscite
Classic worldwide localities
- Edison-Bird mine, on Utahlite Hill, eight km northwest of Lucin, Box Elder Co., Utah, USA
- Candelaria, Mineral Co., and the Silver Coin mine, near Valmy, Iron Point district, Humboldt Co., Nevada, USA
- Twin Creek, Island Park, Fremont Co., Idaho, USA
- Mauldin Mountain quarry, near Mt. Ida, Montgomery Co., Arkansas, USA
- Malpelo Island, west of Buenaventura, Colombia
- Gunheath china clay pit, five km north-northwest of St. Austell, Cornwall, England
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Commonly a product of weathering phosphatic rocks; may form as concretions by the phosphatization of kaolin during weathering; probably a reaction product of phosphate fertilizer in acid soil. If you start seeing variscite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts, massive. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify metavariscite?+
Where is metavariscite found?+
What rocks look like metavariscite?+
What minerals are found with metavariscite?+
What kind of rock does metavariscite form in?+
What is metavariscite used for?+
Find metavariscite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
