Vanadinite
Image: Raimond Spekking (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameVanadinite
Chemical FormulaPb₅(VO₄)₃Cl
Mohs Hardness3
Crystal Systemhexagonal
Lusterresinous
Streak Coloryellowish-white
Cleavagenone
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity6.8
Colorsred, orange-red, brown-red, yellow, brown
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityMibladen, Morocco
Mineral GroupVanadates
Usescollector, minor ore of vanadium and lead
Associated Mineralsgoethite, limonite, barite, calcite, cerussite, anglesite, pyromorphite, wulfenite
Rarityuncommon
Description
This image displays a cluster of vibrant reddish-orange, hexagonal prismatic crystals of vanadinite, often with a tabular or barrel-shaped habit, typically found on a matrix.
Geological Context
Vanadinite is a secondary mineral that forms in the oxidized zone of lead deposits, particularly in arid climates. It results from the alteration of primary lead minerals in the presence of vanadium-bearing solutions.
