veszelyite

Veszelyite is a rare phosphate mineral with the chemical formula Cu2Mg(PO4)2 8H2O. It is a hydrated copper magnesium phosphate. Veszelyite typically occurs as small, prismatic to acicular crystals, often found in aggregates. The color of veszelyite ranges from pale blue to greenish-blue. It is known to be a relatively soft mineral, with a Mohs hardness of approximately 3.5 to 4.

Veszelyite was first discovered in the Sredny-Timan region of Russia. It is found in oxidized zones of hydrothermal copper deposits. Associated minerals can include malachite, azurite, chalcedony, and other secondary copper phosphates. The formation of veszelyite is generally attributed to the weathering and alteration of copper-bearing minerals in the presence of magnesium-rich solutions and phosphate.

While not economically significant due to its rarity, veszelyite is of interest to mineral collectors and researchers studying secondary mineral paragenesis in oxidized ore bodies. Its distinctive blue-green color and crystalline habit make it a notable specimen. The specific geological conditions required for its formation contribute to its limited occurrence worldwide.