Vanadinite

High-end Mineral Specimens

Vanadinite is a dense, brittle lead vanadate chloride in the apatite group. It forms as a secondary mineral where lead-bearing deposits oxidize, especially in dry climates, and is best known as bright red, orange, or brown hexagonal crystals on matrix.

Identity

Material or variety: Vanadinite
Scientific or material identity: Vanadinite
Classification: Natural mineral or mineral variety
Aliases or trade names: Brown lead · Lead vanadate · Johnstonite
Composition or formula: Pb₅(VO₄)₃Cl
Crystal system or structure: Hexagonal
Geological or manufacturing origin: Can form in more than one geological environment, or combines several materials.
Mohs hardness: 2.5 to 3

Origins

Argentina · Mexico · Morocco · Namibia · USA

Appearance & optical properties

bright red-orange vanadinite with hexagonal habit.

History & discovery

Andrés Manuel del Río found the mineral in Mexico in 1801 and recognized that it contained a then-unknown element, although he later withdrew that conclusion. The mineral was rediscovered at Zimapán in 1838 and named vanadinite for its vanadium content after vanadium had been established as an element.

Uses & care

Common uses: Vanadinite has served as an ore of vanadium and a minor lead ore. Well-formed, brightly colored crystals are chiefly valued as mineral specimens.

Jewellery

5 pieces of Vanadinite jewellery. Learners earn each one in DigMyGem by learning words; until then it shows as a silhouette.

Ember Cluster Pendant
Pendant
A pendant built around a raw cluster of vanadinite barrels, their glowing orange-red left uncut and caged in gold. It sets the mineral much as a collector would display it.
Firebarrel Ring
Ring
A ring crowned with a single polished vanadinite barrel of deep vermilion, set high to show the grain of its six-sided form. It is a stone for show rather than daily wear.
Desert Flame Earrings
Earrings
A pair of drop earrings set with matched vanadinite crystals the colour of a desert sunset. Few stones burn so red without heat.
Hexagon Flame Brooch
Brooch
An imagined brooch built round a cluster of vanadinite crystals, small red-orange hexagons like sparks frozen on stone.
Red Hexagon Crown
Crown
An imagined gold crown studded with clusters of vanadinite, small red-orange hexagonal crystals.