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

A contact twin is known on {102}.

No fakes recorded for this mineral species.