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Botryoidal Metavariscite Mass

The Mineral metavariscite




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.
Chemical Formula AlPO4 · 2(H2O)
Composition Aluminum phosphate
Color Light green
Streak White
Hardness 3.5
Crystal System Monoclinic
Crystal Forms
and 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.
Transparency Translucent to opaque. Transparent in micro crystals.
Specific Gravity 2.5
Luster Vitreous, waxy
Cleavage 1,1
Fracture Splintery, uneven
Tenacity Brittle
In Group Phosphates; True Phosphates
Striking Features Color, habits, and mode of occurrence.
Environment As a secondary mineral in hydrothermal replacement deposits and brecciated sandstones.
Rock Type Sedimentary, Metamorphic
Popularity (1-4) 4
Prevalence (1-3) 3
Demand (1-3) 2


Metavariscite AUCTIONS

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.

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 PHOTOS
 
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
 
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