Vanderheydenite is a rare zinc phosphate that forms colorless pseudohexagonal bladed crystals. Associated minerals include pyromorphite, anglesite and liversidgeite. It was first described from Block 14 Opencut, Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia.
Is this vanderheydenite?
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 vanderheydenite with a known reference. Vanderheydenite 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. Vanderheydenite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Vanderheydenite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: pseudohexagonal bladed crystals.
Often confused with
Vanderheydenite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside vanderheydenite
Minerals reported to co-occur with vanderheydenite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Zn₆(PO₄)₂(SO₄)(OH)₄·7H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 3.06-3.12 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Pseudohexagonal Bladed Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Sedimentary Zinc-bearing Deposits
Where rockhounds find vanderheydenite
Classic worldwide localities
- Vanderheyden locality
- various zinc deposits
Field-hunting tip
Look in sedimentary zinc-bearing deposits country, the host setting where vanderheydenite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, smithsonite, sphalerite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a pseudohexagonal bladed crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify vanderheydenite?+
Where is vanderheydenite found?+
What rocks look like vanderheydenite?+
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Find vanderheydenite on the map
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