Heyite (see preceding paper) is so strikingly similar to brackebuschite that a close comparison of the two species seemed advisable. Topotype brackebuschite (B.M. 55819) was used for this purpose.

Brackebuschite is a vanadate of lead, manganese, and iron, heyite a vanadate of lead and iron. Both species are monoclinic with diffraction symmetry P2₁ or P2₁/m. The X-ray cells are remarkably close: a = 8·810, 8·910; b = 6·155, 6·017; c = 7·651, 7·734; β = 111° 30′, 111° 53′ (brackebuschite first). As might be expected, powder patterns are strikingly close as well.

Other than the similarities noted above, the minerals differ so fundamentally that they cannot be the same—they are valid and distinct species. Optic orientations show α: [001] 20° (in acute β) for brackebuschite, 36° (in obtuse β) for heyite. Indices are (brackebuschite first): α 2·28, 2·185; β 2·38, 2·219; γ 2·49, 2·266 for the sodium D line.

Chemical differences are irreconcilable and reaffirm brackebuschite as Pb₂(Mn,Fe,Zn)(VO₄)₂.H₂O while heyite is Pb₅Fe₂(VO₄)₂O₄.