Class : Phosphates, arsenates, vanadates
    Subclass : Anhydrous vanadates
    Crystal system : Heagonal
    Chemistry : Pb₅(VO₃)₄Cl
    Rarity : Uncommon

Vanadinite belongs structurally to the apatite group and forms a partial series with the mimetite Pb₅(AsO₄)₃Cl and a very limited series with the pyromorphite Pb₅(PO₄)₃Cl. When vanadinite contains as much vanadium as arsenic it is a variety called endlichite. It owes its name to the vanadium that composes it. Vanadinite is mainly formed in the gossans of lead bearing deposits associated with other vanadium minerals (mottramite, descloizite, etc...) and lead minerals (cerussite, anglesite, etc...). Vanadium comes from the oxidation of vanadiferous sulphides or from the host rocks by leaching of silicates. It occurs in short hexagonal prisms and sometimes skeletal. Fibrous or globular facies are rare. Its bright red to orange-red color turns brown in the presence of arsenic (endlichite). Due to its bright color, vanadinite is a sought-after mineral for collectors and can also be used as a lead or vanadium ore, since vanadium is mainly used as a hardener for steel in the iron and steel industry.

In France, vanadinite has been reported in micro-crystals on several occurrences, including the Mine of Montmins (Allier), Crozet (Loire), St-Bresson (Haute-Saône), Plouguin (Finistère) or Port-d'Agrès (Aveyron).

Vanadinite has no known twins. On the other hand, it can exceptionally crystallize on certain marine fossils of bivalves, gastropods and echinoderms on the Mibladen deposit. Only a small discovery from 2022 has brought to light these remarkable and exceptional associations.

Fakes and treatments

No fake identified for this mineral species.