Vanadinite
Real mineral · uncommon · Pb₅(VO₄)₃Cl
Lead vanadate chloride forming brilliant hexagonal crystals in the oxidised zones of lead deposits. Its orange-red colour is highly characteristic. One of the primary sources of vanadium, used in high-strength steel alloys.
Identity
- Formula
- Pb₅(VO₄)₃Cl
- Chemical class
- phosphate
- Mineral group
- Apatite, Mimetite, Pyromorphite
Crystallography
- Crystal system
- hexagonal
- Habits
- prismatic, tabular, hollow prismatic
- Fracture
- conchoidal
Physical properties
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 6.88 g/cm³
- Luster
- adamantine, resinous
- Colors
- red, orange-red, orange, yellow, brown
- Streak
- white to yellow
- Transparency
- transparent, translucent
Geology
- Origins
- sedimentary
- Host rocks
- lead deposits (oxidized zones)
- Associated minerals
- Mimetite, Wulfenite, Galena, Pyromorphite
- Geography
- Morocco, USA (Arizona), Mexico, Namibia, Spain
Classification
- Rarity
- uncommon
- Gem quality
- No
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