Class : Phosphates, arsenates, vanadates
    Subclass : Anhydrous vanadate
    Crystal system : Orthorhombic
    Chemistry : PbZn(VO₄)(OH)
    Rarity : Uncommon

Descloizite is an oxidation mineral of basic metalliferous deposits (Pb, Zn, Cu) containing vanadium and is found mainly in the hot desert regions of the globe. It forms a complete series with the mottramite, its copper equivalent. It is a mineral that owes its name to the French mineralogist Alfred Louis Olivier Legrand Descloizeaux who described the mineral. Descloizite occurs as short, sometimes elongated, prismatic crystals or as octahedra, generally grouped in incrustations, in parallel growth aggregates with a tree-like appearance, or in botryoidal masses with a fibrous structure. Its color is brownish red, sometimes brown-orange to orange or metallic gray. Descloizite can exceptionally be exploited as vanadium ore, but presents no other particular use, its crystals are appreciated and sought after by mineral collectors.

Main photo : Descloizite crystals from Berg Aukas, Namibia

In France, descloizite was identified as microcrystals in the Cap Garonne mine in Var department but also in Longefay (Rhône) and in the Rivet quarry at Réalmont (Tarn).

No fake registered for this mineral species.