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, 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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