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Vanadinite Specimens
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. Vanadinite is an uncommon mineral, only occurring as the result of chemical alterations to a pre-existing
material. It is therefore known as a secondary mineral. It is found in arid climates and forms by oxidation of primary lead
minerals. Vanadinite is especially found in association with the lead sulfide, galena.
It was originally discovered in Mexico by the Spanish mineralogist Andrés Manuel del Río in 1801. He called
the mineral "brown lead" and asserted that it contained a new element, which he first named pancromium and later, erythronium.
However, he was later led to believe that this was not a new element but merely an impure form of chromium. In 1830, Nils
Gabriel Sefström discovered a new element, which he named vanadium. It was later revealed that this was identical to the metal
discovered earlier by Andrés Manuel del Río. Del Río's "brown lead" was also rediscovered, in 1838 in Zimapan, Hidalgo, Mexico,
and was named vanadinite due its high vanadium content.
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Excellent specimen from Mbladen, Morocco. Approx. size: 42x26x12 Weight: 20.9 grams
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Charming thumbnail specimen mounted in a 1½" perky box from Mbladen, Morocco. Beautiful color and crystal sctructure!
Approx. size: 23x20x9 Weight: 4.9 gm.
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These charming vanadinites from Mbladen, Morocco are considered to be some of the best in the world and it's easy to
see why. Here's a beautiful thumbnail mounted in a 1½" perky box, just looking for a new home! Approx. size: 19x14x8
Weight: 2.5 gm.
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