Crystal & mineral guide
Vanadinite
Pb₅(VO₄)₃Cl
Bright red hexagonal lead vanadate — vanadium ore accessory and specimen favorite.
Identify Vanadinite with RockScanAbout Vanadinite
Vanadinite forms barrel-shaped red hexagonal prisms, famously from Mibladen, Morocco. Dense and soft. Minor vanadium ore mineral; primarily a collector species. Adamantine luster on fresh faces.
Vanadinite belongs in a crystal identifier workflow because photo cues — color zoning, crystal habit, and surface luster — combine with measurable traits like Mohs 2.5–3 and specific gravity 6.5–7.1. Use RockScan’s camera to get a first-pass ID, then confirm with the checklist below.
Vanadinite properties
| Mohs hardness | 2.5–3 |
|---|---|
| Crystal system | Hexagonal |
| Luster | Adamantine to resinous |
| Color | Bright red to orange-red |
| Composition | Lead vanadate chloride |
| Formation | Oxidation zones of lead deposits |
| Occurrence | Morocco, Arizona, Mexico, Namibia |
| Specific gravity | 6.5–7.1 |
| Cleavage | None |
How to identify Vanadinite
- Red hexagonal barrels
- Very heavy; soft
- Adamantine luster
Collector notes
- Morocco dominates the fine specimen market
- Vanadium strengthens tool steels
Value context: Bright undamaged crystal clusters on matrix are premium Moroccan exports.
Vanadinite FAQ
How do you identify Vanadinite?
Vanadinite (Pb₅(VO₄)₃Cl) is typically recognized by bright red to orange-red color, adamantine to resinous luster, Mohs hardness 2.5–3, and hexagonal crystal system. RockScan can suggest Vanadinite from a photo and surface these checks on the result card.
What is Vanadinite made of?
Vanadinite composition: Lead vanadate chloride. It forms via oxidation zones of lead deposits and is found in Morocco, Arizona, Mexico, Namibia.
Is Vanadinite valuable?
Bright undamaged crystal clusters on matrix are premium Moroccan exports.
