Vanadinita
Vanadinita is a mineral with formula Pb₅(VO₄)₃Cl, in the Vanadatos group. This specimen comes from Bou Almaden, Mibladen, Midelt, Drâa-Tafilalet, Marruecos and joined the Terrium collection in 2001.
Description
Elongate, ridge-like aggregate, scattered with lustrous, sharp red hexagonal crystals.
History of this specimen
It is the piece that gave rise to my "Cresta Montis" category.
About Vanadinita
Vanadinite is an apatite-group mineral, a lead chlorovanadate (isomorphous with pyromorphite and mimetite; also chlorapatites), known for its intensely coloured, lustrous hexagonal crystals. It is a secondary mineral from the oxidised zones of lead veins. This piece shows the classic Mibladen habit, with stepped, crest-forming crystals.
About the locality
Mibladen is one of the world’s best-known vanadinite localities, intermittently active since the early 20th century. In this district many vanadinites occur on manganese oxides, which enhances visual contrast and the piece’s aesthetic appeal.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0005
- Composition
- Pb₅(VO₄)₃Cl
- Name
- Vanadinita
- Group
- Vanadatos
- Category
- Cresta Montis
- Matrix
- Matriz terrosa
- Associations
- Óxidos de manganeso
- Mine
- Bou Almaden
- District / Municipality
- Mibladen
- Province
- Midelt
- Region
- Drâa-Tafilalet
- Country
- Marruecos
- Size (cm)
- 13 x 6 x 4.5
- Weight
- 190 g
- Acquired
- 2001
- Ex-collection
- Diego Navarro
- Etymology
- From the element vanadium, named in honour of the Scandinavian deity Vanadis (Freya), for the bright colours of its salts.
- Quality
- Muy buena
- Value trend
- Al alza
Related specimens
- Acantita (Paramórfica tras Argentita) — Marruecos
- Andradita (Melanita) — Marruecos
- Apatito — Marruecos
- Aragonito — Marruecos
- Arfvedsonita — Marruecos
- Azurita — Marruecos
- Azurita — Marruecos
- Azurita — Marruecos