Mineral
Vanadinita
Pb₅(VO₄)₃Cl · Vanadatos
Vanadinite is a lead chlorovanadate of the chlorapatite group, isomorphous with pyromorphite and mimetite.
It is a secondary mineral from oxidation zones of lead veins. It crystallises as hexagonal prisms. It is known for intensely coloured, lustrous crystals. Colours range from red to orange and brown.
Mibladen is regarded as the best locality worldwide for this species. It became a classic for the quality of its crystals and the intensity of the colours, from red to orange. Together with pyromorphite (chlorophosphate) and mimetite (chloroarsenate), it forms the trio of lead chlorapatites.
Etymology
From the element vanadium, named in honour of the Scandinavian deity Vanadis (Freya), for the bright colours of its salts.
Specimens in the collection (7)
- Vanadinita — Bou Almaden, Mibladen, Midelt, Drâa-Tafilalet, Marruecos № 0005
- Vanadinita — ACF Mine, Mibladen, Midelt, Drâa-Tafilalet, Marruecos № 0298
- Vanadinita — Bou Almaden, Mibladen, Midelt, Drâa-Tafilalet, Marruecos № 0379
- Vanadinita — Bou Almaden, Mibladen, Midelt, Drâa-Tafilalet, Marruecos № 0383
- Vanadinita — Bou Almaden, Mibladen, Midelt, Drâa-Tafilalet, Marruecos № 0394
- Vanadinita — Marruecos, Marruecos № 0559
- Vanadinita — Les Dalles Mine, Mibladen, Midelt, Drâa-Tafilalet, Marruecos № 0585