THE MINERAL VESZELYITE

• Chemistry: (Cu, Zn)3PO4(OH)3 - 2H2O , Hydrated Copper Zinc Phosphate Hydroxide.
• Class: Phosphates
• Uses: only as a mineral specimen.
• Specimens

Veszelyite is a rare, but beautiful copper and zinc phosphate mineral. Specimens often command some fairly lofty prices for even diminutive specimens, which is a direct testament to veszelyite's rarity and attractiveness. It has a nice emerald-green to green-blue color and a high luster which produces a good colorful sparkle. Crystals are often randomly and individually attached on specimens much like green sprinkles that are spread on an ice cream cone. Veszelyite is truly a joy to collect.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Color is emerald-green, green, blue or most commonly green-blue.
• Luster is vitreous.
• Transparency crystals are transparent to translucent.
• Crystal System is monoclinic.
• Crystal Habits include slender prismatic, nearly wedge shaped crystals and granular aggregates.
• Hardness is 3.5 - 4
• Specific Gravity is approximately 3.4 (above average for translucent minerals)
• Streak is green to greenish blue.
• Associated Minerals include quartz and various copper and zinc secondary minerals.
• Notable Occurrences are limited to Kipushi, Shaba, Rep. of Congo; Kabwe, Zambia; Moravicza, Banat, Romania and Black Pine Mine, Montana, USA.
• Best Field Indicators are crystal habit, locality and color.