What is Vanadinite?
Vanadinite is a vivid lead vanadate prized for red-orange hexagonal crystals and recognised as an important secondary mineral of oxidised lead deposits.
Mineralogy and structure
Reference formula: Pb5(VO4)3Cl. Vanadinite is hexagonal and forms a solid-solution series toward mimetite, with a complete series toward pyromorphite. The exact Mibladen-related COD 9004200 model is a suitable structural reference, while specimen chemistry can vary. Vanadinite is classified with vanadates and has hexagonal crystal symmetry. Typical hardness is 2.5–3 on the Mohs scale and specific gravity is approximately 6.8–7.1.
Colour, lustre and habit
Typical colours include red, orange-red, brown, yellow, orange. The usual hexagonal, prismatic, tabular habit and resinous, adamantine, vitreous lustre help describe a specimen, but colour alone is not diagnostic.
Formation and notable localities
Vanadinite forms in or is associated with oxidised lead deposits, desert mine workings and secondary zones above galena-bearing veins. Important documented localities include Mibladen and Touissit in Morocco, Arizona and New Mexico in the United States, Mexico, Namibia and Argentina.
Red-orange crystals with an ore-deposit story
Vanadinite sells exceptionally well because colour, lustre and crystal geometry arrive together. Sharp barrel-shaped crystals on contrasting matrix are especially attractive, but locality and lead content should remain explicit.
Collecting and care
Soft and dense: protect crystal tips from scratches and impact, avoid acids, and wash hands after handling lead-bearing specimens.
