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 — that is 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.