2" Vanadinite Crystals on Botryoidal Goethite - Mibladen, Morocco

Known since ancient times, goethite is a beautiful dark gray to black iron-based mineral that can take many forms. It was used in antiquity as a pigment for painting and has even been found in the famous caves at Lascaux, France.

About Vanadinite

Vanadinite is a mineral belonging to the apatite group of phosphates, with the chemical formula Pb5(VO4)3Cl. It is one of the main industrial ores of the metal vanadium and a minor source of lead. A dense, brittle mineral, it is usually found in the form of red hexagonal crystals.

Safety Warning: The lead and vanadium in the vanadinite can be harmful if absorbed into the blood stream by inhalation or ingestion. The crystals won't pose a health hazard just sitting on a shelf, but we recommend that you wash your hands after handling.