Veszelyite is a striking, rare copper-zinc phosphate known for its deep blue-green to emerald green color and high-luster crystals. It typically forms in the oxidized zones of ore deposits where it is often associated with other copper minerals. Collectors prize it for its unique, complex crystal habits and intense, saturated color.
Is this veszelyite?
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 veszelyite with a known reference. Veszelyite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Veszelyite leaves a light green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Veszelyite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark green, blue-green, bluish-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular to blocky crystals, often in drusy coatings or aggregates.
Often confused with
Veszelyite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Veszelyite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 2); streak differs — Veszelyite leaves light green, Aurichalcite leaves pale blue; luster reads vitreous on Veszelyite and pearly on Aurichalcite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Veszelyite leaves light green, Hemimorphite leaves white.
Often found alongside veszelyite
Minerals reported to co-occur with veszelyite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Cu,Zn)₂Zn(PO₄)(OH)₃·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Streak
- Light Green
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular to Blocky Crystals, Often in Drusy Coatings or Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Copper-zinc Hydrothermal Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 thumbnail, $300-2000+ cabinet
Where rockhounds find veszelyite
Classic worldwide localities
- Ocna de Fier, Romania
- Black Pine Mine, USA
- Likasi, DR Congo
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of copper-zinc hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where veszelyite typically forms. If you start seeing hemimorphite, smithsonite, aurichalcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular to blocky crystals, often in drusy coatings or aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find veszelyite on the map
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