Magnesiopascoite is a rare vanadate mineral that typically forms as bright orange, tabular crystals or crusts in the oxidized zones of vanadium-bearing sandstone deposits. It is structurally related to pascoite and is most commonly identified by its distinct color and association with other secondary vanadium minerals in dry, arid environments.
Is this magnesiopascoite?
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 magnesiopascoite with a known reference. Magnesiopascoite sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: yellow.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: adamantine.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: bright orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: blocky, prismatic.
Often confused with
Magnesiopascoite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Magnesiopascoite leaves yellow, Pascoite leaves cadmium-yellow; luster reads adamantine on Magnesiopascoite and vitreous to subadamantine on Pascoite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Magnesiopascoite leaves yellow, Sherwoodite leaves pale blue; luster reads adamantine on Magnesiopascoite and vitreous to earthy on Sherwoodite.
How to tell apart: Magnesiopascoite is noticeably harder (Mohs 2.5 vs. ~1); streak differs, so Magnesiopascoite leaves yellow, Hewettite leaves brownish red; luster reads adamantine on Magnesiopascoite and silky to adamantine on Hewettite.
Often found alongside magnesiopascoite
Minerals reported to co-occur with magnesiopascoite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₂MgV₁₀O₂₈(H₂O)₁₆
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 2.43 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Blocky, prismatic
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Product of groundwater leaching and oxidation of vanadium oxides in a post-mining environment
Where rockhounds find magnesiopascoite
Classic worldwide localities
- Blue Cap and Vanadium Queen mines, near La Sal, San Juan County, Utah, USA
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Product of groundwater leaching and oxidation of vanadium oxides in a post-mining environment. If you start seeing gypsum, rossite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: blocky, prismatic. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify magnesiopascoite?+
Where is magnesiopascoite found?+
Is magnesiopascoite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like magnesiopascoite?+
What minerals are found with magnesiopascoite?+
What kind of rock does magnesiopascoite form in?+
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Find magnesiopascoite on the map
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