Vésigniéite is a rare copper-barium vanadate that typically forms small, bright yellow to yellow-green tabular crystals. Collectors primarily look for it in the oxidized zones of base metal deposits where it occurs as crusts or tiny, attractive rosettes associated with other secondary minerals.
Is this vésigniéite?
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 vésigniéite with a known reference. Vésigniéite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vésigniéite leaves a light yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Vésigniéite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts, rosettes.
Often confused with
Vésigniéite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Vésigniéite leaves light yellow, Volborthite leaves yellowish-green.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Vésigniéite leaves light yellow, Tangeite leaves yellowish; luster reads vitreous on Vésigniéite and pearly on Tangeite.
Often found alongside vésigniéite
Minerals reported to co-occur with vésigniéite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- BaCu₃(VO₄)₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 4.45 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Crusts, Rosettes
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Copper-vanadium Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find vésigniéite
Classic worldwide localities
- Vésignié, France
- Bisbee, Arizona, USA
- Tsumeb, Namibia
- Kabwe, Zambia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of copper-vanadium deposits country — that is the host setting where vésigniéite typically forms. If you start seeing barite, malachite, azurite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, crusts, rosettes habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify vésigniéite?+
Where is vésigniéite found?+
How much is vésigniéite worth?+
Is vésigniéite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like vésigniéite?+
What minerals are found with vésigniéite?+
What kind of rock does vésigniéite form in?+
What is vésigniéite used for?+
Find vésigniéite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
