Calochilus metallicus is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous, herb with an underground tuber and a single dark green leaf which is only partially developed at flowering time, 80–180 mm (3–7 in) long, 3–4 mm (0.1–0.2 in) wide when fully developed.

The labellum is mostly covered with thin, metallic hairs 2–3 mm (0.08–0.1 in) long, except for the tip which is hairless.

[2] Calochilus metallicus was first formally described in 2004 by David Jones and the description was published in The Orchadian from specimens collected near the Wenlock River.

[3] The specific epithet (metallicus) is derived from the Ancient Greek word metallon.

[4] The metallic beard orchid grows with grasses in low lying places on Cape York and on islands in the Torres Strait including Moa Island.