Vanadinite
Image: Freddo213 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameVanadinite
Chemical FormulaPb5(VO4)3Cl
Mohs Hardness2.5
Crystal Systemhexagonal
Lusterresinous
Streak Coloryellowish-white
Cleavagenone
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity6.8
Colorsred, orange-red, brownish-red
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityACF Mine, Mibladen, Aït Oufella Caïdat, Midelt Cercle, Midelt Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region, Morocco
Mineral GroupVanadates
Usesore of vanadium, collector
Associated Mineralsbarite, calcite, goethite, limonite, wulfenite, mimetite
Rarityuncommon
Description
The image displays a cluster of vibrant red to orange-red vanadinite crystals, predominantly hexagonal and tabular in form, often exhibiting a stepped or layered growth pattern, set against a lighter, possibly quartz or barite, matrix.
Geological Context
Vanadinite is a secondary mineral formed in the oxidized zone of lead deposits, typically in arid climates. It precipitates from the alteration of primary lead minerals in the presence of vanadium-bearing solutions.
