Vanadinite For Sale

Vanadinite is a striking mineral known for its vibrant red, orange, and brown hues, often forming in dense clusters of hexagonal prismatic or tabular crystals with a glassy, resinous shine. Found in the oxidized zones of lead deposits, vanadinite typically associates with minerals like barite, wulfenite, and galena. Though relatively fragile with a hardness of 3-4 on the Mohs scale, its bold colors and sharp crystal formations make vanadinite a favorite among collectors.

More About Vanadinite

174 Items ($12 to $495)

Plate of Ruby Red Vanadinite Crystals - Huge #196366

14.5" Plate of Ruby Red Vanadinite Crystals - Huge

$495 $375

Plate of Ruby Red Vanadinite Crystals - Morocco #231845

10.7" Plate of Ruby Red Vanadinite Crystals - Morocco

$195

Ruby Red Vanadinite Crystals on Bladed Barite - Morocco #233085

9.7" Ruby Red Vanadinite Crystals on Bladed Barite - Morocco

$99

Deep Red Vanadinite Crystal Cluster - Morocco #258037

2.55" Deep Red Vanadinite Crystal Cluster - Morocco

$95

Glittering, Ruby Red Vanadinite Crystals on Barite - Morocco #233971

5.3" Glittering, Ruby Red Vanadinite Crystals on Barite - Morocco

$79

Glittering, Ruby Red Vanadinite Crystals on Barite - Morocco #233951

3.7" Glittering, Ruby Red Vanadinite Crystals on Barite - Morocco

$45

Glittering, Ruby Red Vanadinite Crystals on Barite - Morocco #278234

3.7" Glittering, Ruby Red Vanadinite Crystals on Barite - Morocco

$39

Glittering, Ruby Red Vanadinite Crystals on Barite - Morocco #278254

2.4" Glittering, Ruby Red Vanadinite Crystals on Barite - Morocco

$29

Small, Red Vanadinite Crystals on Manganese Oxide - Morocco #212004

3" Small, Red Vanadinite Crystals on Manganese Oxide - Morocco

$29

Small, Red Vanadinite Crystals on Manganese Oxide - Morocco #212014

2.6" Small, Red Vanadinite Crystals on Manganese Oxide - Morocco

$25

Small, Red Vanadinite Crystals on Manganese Oxide - Morocco #212000

2.3" Small, Red Vanadinite Crystals on Manganese Oxide - Morocco

$22

Sparkly Vanadinite Crystal Cluster - Downieville Mine, Nevada #213803

2.8" Sparkly Vanadinite Crystal Cluster - Downieville Mine, Nevada

$19

Vanadinite Crystal Cluster - Downieville Mine, Nevada #213801

2.5" Vanadinite Crystal Cluster - Downieville Mine, Nevada

$19

Small Red Vanadinite Crystals on Goethite - Morocco #292908

2.05" Small Red Vanadinite Crystals on Goethite - Morocco

$15

Vanadinite Crystals - Downieville Mine, Nevada #213804

1.2" Vanadinite Crystals - Downieville Mine, Nevada

$12

Small, Red Vanadinite Crystals on Manganese Oxide - Morocco #212005

2.9" Small, Red Vanadinite Crystals on Manganese Oxide - Morocco

SOLD

Vanadinite Cluster From Morocco - Epic Plate Of Large Crystals! #84452

6.5" Vanadinite Cluster From Morocco - Epic Plate Of Large Crystals!

SOLD

Huge, Red Vanadinite Crystal (NEW FIND) - Morocco #84338

3.8" Huge, Red Vanadinite Crystal (NEW FIND) - Morocco

SOLD

Wide Plate Of Ruby Red Vanadinite Crystals - Special Price #61096

15" Wide Plate Of Ruby Red Vanadinite Crystals - Special Price

SOLD

Huge Plate Of Ruby Red Vanadinite Crystals - Wide #59958

Huge Plate Of Ruby Red Vanadinite Crystals - 9.5" Wide

SOLD

Plate, Sparkling, Ruby Red Vanadinite Crystals #59973

11" Plate, Sparkling, Ruby Red Vanadinite Crystals

SOLD

Large, Red Vanadinite Crystal Aggregation - Morocco #84337

3.5" Large, Red Vanadinite Crystal Aggregation - Morocco

SOLD

Exceptional Vanadinite Crystal Cluster - Morocco #34895

Exceptional 4.2" Vanadinite Crystal Cluster - Morocco

SOLD

Ruby Red Vanadinite Crystals on Black & White Barite - Top Quality #253388

8.1" Ruby Red Vanadinite Crystals on Black & White Barite - Top Quality

SOLD

Ruby Red Vanadinite Crystals on Orange Barite - Morocco #196365

11.2" Ruby Red Vanadinite Crystals on Orange Barite - Morocco

SOLD

Top-Quality, Deep Red Vanadinite Crystal Cluster - Morocco #231837

Top-Quality, 4.4" Deep Red Vanadinite Crystal Cluster - Morocco

SOLD

Top-Quality, Deep Red Vanadinite Crystals on Barite - Morocco #231844

Top-Quality, 6.6" Deep Red Vanadinite Crystals on Barite - Morocco

SOLD

Huge Deep Red Vanadinite Crystal Cluster - Morocco #178385

Huge 5.5" Deep Red Vanadinite Crystal Cluster - Morocco

SOLD

Gorgeous, Ruby-Red Vanadinite Crystal Cluster - Large Crystals #127655

3.9" Gorgeous, Ruby-Red Vanadinite Crystal Cluster - Large Crystals

SOLD

Red Vanadinite Crystal Cluster - BIG CRYSTALS! #39163

5.25" Red Vanadinite Crystal Cluster - BIG CRYSTALS!

SOLD

More About Vanadinite

Vanadinite is a lead chlorovanadate mineral with the chemical formula Pb₅(VO₄)₃Cl. It belongs to the apatite group of phosphates, forming as a result of the oxidation of lead ore deposits. Its unique, fiery red to orange-brown colors, paired with its hexagonal crystal structure, make it visually appealing. In addition to its beauty, vanadinite has practical applications, primarily as an ore of vanadium and a minor source of lead.

It commonly forms in hexagonal crystals, which can appear as short prisms or rounded, barrel-shaped crystals. Its structure lends itself to both individual crystals and clusters, often forming in radial aggregates or encrustations over other minerals or rock surfaces. The crystal faces of vanadinite are often smooth and can appear slightly curved, lending a unique, waxy luster that makes vanadinite unmistakable. In terms of color, vanadinite varies from deep red to brownish orange, sometimes with yellow or gray overtones. The vibrant red specimens are especially valued by collectors.

Vanadinite forms in arid climates where lead deposits are abundant. These regions provide the ideal environmental conditions for vanadinite to form, especially due to the oxidation of lead ores in a desert-like setting. Notable localities include:

Morocco - The Mibladen mining district in Morocco is one of the most famous sources of high-quality vanadinite specimens, characterized by rich red crystals.

Mexico - Mexico has produced significant vanadinite specimens, particularly from the Sierra de Los Lamentos in Chihuahua.

USA - In Arizona, the Apache Mine, and other localities in Yavapai and Mohave Counties, are well-known for producing bright red vanadinite crystals.

Namibia - The Otavi Mountain region has also yielded specimens of vanadinite, often found in association with other interesting minerals.

Other Countries - Vanadinite is also found in smaller quantities in nations like Zambia, Argentina, and some European locations.

Mineral Associations

Vanadinite is often found in association with a range of secondary lead minerals due to its formation in oxidized lead deposits. Some of the commonly associated minerals include:

Wulfenite - Another lead-based mineral, wulfenite’s orange to yellow crystals often accompany vanadinite in the same deposits.

Mimetite - Mimetite, a mineral similar in structure to vanadinite, can be found alongside it, sometimes forming intergrowths or mixed crystal specimens.

Galena - As a lead ore, galena is often the precursor mineral from which vanadinite forms in oxidation zones.

Descloizite - This vanadium mineral can be found in association with vanadinite in certain deposits, particularly in African localities.

Barite - Barite can occur alongside vanadinite, providing a striking contrast with its white or clear crystals.

The presence of these minerals with vanadinite not only adds to the beauty of mineral specimens but also provides valuable geological context for u

nderstanding the oxidation and weathering processes that form vanadinite.

Safety and Handling of Vanadinite

While vanadinite is a beautiful and interesting mineral, it’s essential to handle it carefully due to its lead and vanadium content. To ensure safe handling, avoid inhaling any dust from vanadinite, as inhaling particles that contain lead and vanadium can be hazardous; for this reason, vanadinite should not be ground or broken. Additionally, it’s advisable to wash hands thoroughly after handling it since lead can be absorbed through skin contact over time. Due to its toxicity, vanadinite should also be kept out of reach of children and pets who might accidentally ingest it. When displaying vanadinite, consider placing it in a sealed display case to minimize direct contact and prevent any dust dispersion, ensuring both safety and preservation.

Featured Photos

Large, Ruby Red Vanadinite Crystal Aggregation - Morocco #104759

More About Vanadinite

Mineral Associations

Safety and Handling of Vanadinite

Featured Photos