Vanadinite
| Colour | Red, Orange, Brown, Yellow |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 3–4 |
| Lustre | Resinous to sub-adamantine |
| Streak | Brownish yellow |
| Crystal system | Hexagonal |
| Transparency | Transparent, translucent or opaque |
| Cleavage | None |
| Fracture | Uneven to conchoidal |
| Chemical formula | Pb 5 (VO 4 ) 3 Cl |
| Specific gravity | 6.8–7.1 (measured) 6.95 (calculated) |
What is Vanadinite?
Vanadinite is a mineral belonging to the apatite group of phosphates, with the chemical formula Pb5(VO4)3Cl. It is one of the main industrial ores of the metal vanadium and a minor source of lead. A dense, brittle mineral, it is usually found in the form of red hexagonal crystals. It is an uncommon mineral, formed by the oxidation of lead ore deposits such as galena. First discovered in 1801 in Mexico, vanadinite deposits have since been unearthed in South America, Europe, Africa, and North America.
How to identify Vanadinite
- Lustre: Resinous to sub-adamantine.
- Hardness: Mohs 3–4 — soft; a knife will scratch it.
- Streak: Brownish yellow.
- Habit: Hexagonal crystal system.
Vanadinite in different forms
Stones often confused with Vanadinite
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Vanadinite?
Vanadinite is Mohs 3–4 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Vanadinite?
Vanadinite is typically red, orange, brown, yellow (Bright red, orange-red, red-brown, brown, yellow, whitish, grey or colourless or weakly tinted in transmitted light; pal).