Vashegyite is a rare secondary aluminum phosphate mineral typically found as earthy, white to pale-yellow crusts or massive aggregates. It is often identified by its distinct association with other phosphate minerals in weathered environments and requires X-ray diffraction or chemical analysis for positive confirmation.
Is this vashegyite?
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 vashegyite with a known reference. Vashegyite 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. Vashegyite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Vashegyite typically shows a dull luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, yellowish-white, greenish-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: crusts, massive, earthy.
Often confused with
Vashegyite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads dull on Vashegyite and waxy on Variscite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads dull on Vashegyite and vitreous on Wavellite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads dull on Vashegyite and vitreous on Strengite.
Often found alongside vashegyite
Minerals reported to co-occur with vashegyite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Al₄(PO₄)₃(OH)₃·11-13H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 2.1-2.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Dull
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Crusts, Massive, Earthy
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Phosphate Deposits in Weathered Rocks
- Typical price
- $20-150 for small specimens
Where rockhounds find vashegyite
Classic worldwide localities
- Železník, Slovakia
- Nebo District, Utah, USA
- Cerro de los Remedios, Mexico
Field-hunting tip
Look in phosphate deposits in weathered rocks country — that is the host setting where vashegyite typically forms. If you start seeing variscite, wavellite, limonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a crusts, massive, earthy habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find vashegyite on the map
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