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.