mineral
Vanadinite
Pb5(VO4)3Cl
Hardness: 3-4 on Mohs scale; Color: Bright red, orange-red, brown, yellow; Luster: Resinous to adamantine; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal, often forming small prismatic crystals; Cleavage: None distinct; Specific Gravity: 6.8-7.1 (very heavy for its size)
- Hardness
- 3-4 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Bright red, orange-red, brown, yellow
- Luster
- Resinous to adamantine
Identified More mineral →
Explore Vanadinite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 3-4 on Mohs scale; Color: Bright red, orange-red, brown, yellow; Luster: Resinous to adamantine; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal, often forming small prismatic crystals; Cleavage: None distinct; Specific Gravity: 6.8-7.1 (very heavy for its size)
Formation & geological history
Formed as a secondary mineral in the oxidation zones of lead-bearing ore deposits, typically in arid climates.
Uses & applications
Primarily mined as a minor source of the element vanadium and highly prized by mineral collectors for its vibrant color and crystal forms.
Geological facts
Vanadinite belongs to the apatite group and contains toxic lead, so hands should be washed after handling raw specimens.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified in the field by its distinct orange-red color, hexagonal crystal habit, and high specific gravity (heavy feel). Commonly found in Morocco, Mexico, Arizona (USA), and Scotland.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Soil with Mineral Detritus and Quartz Fragments
Regolith / Silicate Mineral Aggregate
sedimentary
Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)
FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)
mineral
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral