Vigezzite is a rare radioactive member of the aeschynite group typically found in alpine pegmatites. It usually presents as small, brownish-yellow prismatic crystals and is prized by micromount collectors for its rarity and distinct mineralogy.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Resinous

Streak

Yellowish-white

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareAeschynite Group family

Vigezzite

Hardness: 5
Luster: Resinous
Streak: Yellowish-white
Transparency: Translucent

Is this vigezzite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch vigezzite with a known reference. Vigezzite sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vigezzite leaves a yellowish-white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Vigezzite typically shows a resinous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, radial aggregates.

Often found alongside vigezzite

Minerals reported to co-occur with vigezzite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: (Ca,Ce,U)(Nb,Ta,Ti)₂O₆
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 5.6 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish-yellow Black
Streak: Yellowish-white
Luster: Resinous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals, Radial Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find vigezzite

Classic worldwide localities

Alpe di Croveggia, Italy
Vigezzo Valley, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Look in pegmatites country, the host setting where vigezzite typically forms. If you start seeing monazite, kyanite, garnet in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify vigezzite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a resinous luster. The streak is yellowish-white. Common colors include yellow, brownish-yellow, black.

Where is vigezzite found?+

Notable localities include Alpe di Croveggia, Italy; Vigezzo Valley, Italy.

How much is vigezzite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is vigezzite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. Contains uranium and thorium, handle with care and keep samples stored in a shielded container to minimize exposure to radiation. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What minerals are found with vigezzite?+

Vigezzite commonly co-occurs with Monazite, Kyanite, Garnet. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does vigezzite form in?+

Vigezzite typically forms in pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is vigezzite used for?+

Vigezzite is used in collector.

Find vigezzite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.