Vanadinite
Image: Ivar Leidus (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameVanadinite
Chemical FormulaPb5(VO4)3Cl
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemhexagonal
Lusterresinous
Streak Coloryellowish-white
Cleavagenone
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity6.95
Colorsreddish brown, orange, red
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityACF mine, Mibladen, Morocco
Mineral Groupvanadates
Usesore of vanadium, collector's mineral
Associated Mineralsbarite, goethite, limonite, cerussite, wulfenite
Rarityuncommon
Description
A striking cluster of lustrous, reddish-brown tabular vanadinite crystals, exhibiting a deep, fiery orange translucency in places.
Geological Context
Vanadinite is a secondary mineral found in the oxidized zone of lead deposits, typically forming from the alteration of primary lead minerals in arid climates.
