Vanderheydenite is a rare, zinc-bearing variety of calcite often found in association with smithsonite. It is typically identified by its rhombohedral crystal form and specific paragenesis within zinc-lead mining environments.
Is this vanderheydenite?
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 vanderheydenite with a known reference. Vanderheydenite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vanderheydenite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Vanderheydenite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral.
Often confused with
Vanderheydenite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside vanderheydenite
Minerals reported to co-occur with vanderheydenite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaCO₃
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 2.71 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Rhombohedral
- Cleavage
- Perfect Rhombohedral
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Sedimentary Zinc-bearing Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-200 depending on specimen quality
Where rockhounds find vanderheydenite
Classic worldwide localities
- Vanderheyden locality
- various zinc deposits
Field-hunting tip
Look in sedimentary zinc-bearing deposits country — that is the host setting where vanderheydenite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, smithsonite, sphalerite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rhombohedral habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify vanderheydenite?+
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How much is vanderheydenite worth?+
What rocks look like vanderheydenite?+
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Find vanderheydenite on the map
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