METAVARISCITE

    Class : Phosphates, arsenates, vanadates
    Subclass : Hydrated phosphates
    Crystal system : Monoclinic
    Chemistry : AlPO4 2H2O
    Rarity : Rare

Metavariscite (or clinovariscite) is the much rarer dimorph of variscite, with which it is always associated. It possibly forms a continuous series with phosphosiderite, its iron-bearing equivalent. Metavariscite is essentially a product of supergene alteration of phosphate rocks of various types. It is likely that it is also a partially "anthropogenic" mineral, formed by the reaction of phosphate fertilizers in acidic soils. Its name comes from the Greek meta (after), in allusion to its different habit from its dimorph, variscite. Metavariscite forms tiny crystals of varied habit, but especially spheroidal aggregates and concretions. Its color is very light green.

Main photo : Metavariscite of Lucin, Utah, USA © Jerry Cone

Metavariscite from Utahlite claim, Utah, USA © Paul Brandes
Metavariscite of Utahlite claim, Utah, USA © Gianfranco Ciccolini
Twinned metavariscite from Utahlite claim, Utah, USA © Jason B. Smith
Twinned metavariscite from Utahlite claim, Utah, USA © Stephan Wolfsried

Metavariscite in the World

The only crystals reported come from the Edison-Bird mine near Lucin, Utah, where they occupy cavities in variscite nodules. Metavariscite is known in appreciable masses at Candelaria (Nevada), in several other American localities, in Spain and on the Colombian island of Malpelo, in a phosphate andesite.

Metavariscite in France

Metavariscite is not present in the French underground.

Twinning

A contact twin is known on {102}.

Fakes and treatments

No fakes recorded for this mineral species.


Hardness : 3.5
Density : 2.51 to 2.54
Fracture : Undetermined
Streak : White

TP : Translucent to transparent
RI : 1.551 to 1.582
Birefringence : 0.031
Optical character : Biaxial -
Pleochroism : Low
Fluorescence : None

Solubility : Hydrochloric acid

Magnetism : NoneRadioactivity : None

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