Vanadinite
Vanadinite
Published: June 2014
Modified: November 2021
Vanadinite derives its name from the vanadium contained within its chemical formula. Well-formed mineral specimens are prized by collectors. It comes in red to brown, orange, and yellow. It rarely appears colorless or white. Fine mineral specimens come from Morocco and Namibia.
General Information
Common Name
Vanadinite
Species
Vanadinite
Transparency
Opaque-Transparent
Dispersion
Strength: None
Refractive Index
2.350-2.146
Optic Character
Uniaxial
Optic Sign
Negative
Polariscope Reaction
Aggregate (AGG), Doubly Refractive (DR)
CCF Reaction
None
Pleochroism
Dichroic, In transparent material weak variation of body color
Hardness
2.5-3
Streak
White, yellow, red
Toughness
Poor
Luster
Resinous, Adamantine
Fracture
Uneven, conchoidal
Cleavage
None
Chemical Name
Lead Chlorovanadinate
Chemical Formula
Pb5(VO4)3Cl
Crystal System
Hexagonal
Chemistry Classification
Phosphate
Vanadinite Colors
-
Brown -
Colorless -
Orange -
Red -
Yellow
Countries of Origin
Austria; Russian Federation; Morocco; Unknown; Namibia; United States of America; Italy; Mexico; United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Tunisia; Germany
Care
Vanadinite is brittle so extra care must be taken when handling specimens. It is also soluble in hydrochloric acid.