Vaterite is a rare polymorph of calcium carbonate that is metastable under ambient conditions, often transforming into calcite or aragonite over time. It is frequently identified in nature as microscopic spherulitic aggregates within sedimentary environments or associated with biogenic minerals in organisms.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareCalcite family

Vaterite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this vaterite?

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 vaterite with a known reference. Vaterite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vaterite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Vaterite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: spherulitic.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside vaterite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaCO₃
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 2.65 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Spherulitic
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Low-temperature Hydrothermal Environments and Biological Precipitates
Typical price: $20-100 per specimen

Where rockhounds find vaterite

Classic worldwide localities

Larne, Northern Ireland
Shimane Prefecture, Japan
Cumberland, England
Czech Republic

Field-hunting tip

Look in low-temperature hydrothermal environments and biological precipitates country — that is the host setting where vaterite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, aragonite, portlandite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a spherulitic habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify vaterite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is vaterite found?+

Notable localities include Larne, Northern Ireland; Shimane Prefecture, Japan; Cumberland, England; Czech Republic.

How much is vaterite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like vaterite?+

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

What minerals are found with vaterite?+

Vaterite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Aragonite, Portlandite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does vaterite form in?+

Vaterite typically forms in low-temperature hydrothermal environments and biological precipitates. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is vaterite used for?+

Vaterite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find vaterite on the map

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