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 2000.
Description
Vanadinite floater with globular, compact bouquet-like growth, composed of short, well-intergrown prismatic crystals. It shows a single point of contact at the base and a closed structure, with no voids. Hues range from orange and honey to deep red, with good response to light.
About Vanadinita
Lead chlorovanadate. Mibladen is regarded as the world’s best locality for this mineral. It became a classic for the quality of its hexagonal prismatic crystals and the intensity of their colours, from red to orange.
About the locality
Bou Almaden, in the Mibladen mining district (Midelt, Drâa-Tafilalet), is one of the classic Moroccan vanadinite localities. The oxidised zone of its lead-bearing mineralisation produced visually striking specimens, with well-defined crystals, a recognisable habit, and very consistent production over decades.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0379
- Composition
- Pb₅(VO₄)₃Cl
- Name
- Vanadinita
- Group
- Vanadatos
- Category
- Meritum Persé
- Mine
- Bou Almaden
- District / Municipality
- Mibladen
- Province
- Midelt
- Region
- Drâa-Tafilalet
- Country
- Marruecos
- Size (cm)
- 3.7 x 3.3 x 2.7
- Weight
- 47.4 g
- Acquired
- 2000
- Ex-collection
- Diego Navarro
- Etymology
- Its name derives from "Vanadis", one of the names of Freyja, the goddess of beauty in Scandinavian mythology. It was named for the beautiful and varied colours of the element vanadium it contains.
- Quality
- Muy buena
- Value trend
- Estable
Related specimens
- Acantita (Paramórfica tras Argentita) — Marruecos
- Andradita (Melanita) — Marruecos
- Apatito — Marruecos
- Aragonito — Marruecos
- Arfvedsonita — Marruecos
- Azurita — Marruecos
- Azurita — Marruecos
- Azurita — Marruecos