Metavariscite

AlPO₄ · 2(H₂O)

Hardness: 3.5
Streak: White
Spec. Gravity: 2.5
System: Monoclinic

About

Metavariscite is a rare polymorphous form of the mineral Variscite, and is essentially the same except that its crystal structure differs. It can occur together with Variscite in the same locality, and is very similar in appearance.

Crystal Forms & Aggregates

Crystals are in micro form, and are thin tabular or elongated prismatic. Crystals are occasionally twinned as v-twins. Most often nodular, botryoidal, reniform, grainy, and massive.

Striking Features

Color, habits, and mode of occurrence.

Environment

As a secondary mineral in hydrothermal replacement deposits and brecciated sandstones.

Polymorphs

Variscite

Noteworthy Localities

The only significant deposit of Metavariscite that has produced collector specimens is the Utahlite Claim, in the Lucin District, Box Elder County, Utah, where it occurs in aggregates of microcrystals which may sparkle on individual faces. The type locality in this deposit is the Edison-Bird mine in the above locality.

Common Mineral Associations

Limonite, Variscite, Quartz, Chalcedony, Wavellite, Apatite

Distinguishing Similar Minerals

Very similar to Variscite, and difficult to distinguish by appearance alone. Variscite has a slightly higher hardness than Metavariscite.

Metavariscite

Abouti

Crystal Forms & Aggregatesi

Striking Featuresi

Environmenti

Polymorphs

Noteworthy Localitiesi

Common Mineral Associationsi

Distinguishing Similar Mineralsi

Photos