Vanadinite is highly sought after by collectors for its brilliant red to orange, sharply defined hexagonal prisms. It is typically found in the oxidized zones of lead-bearing ore deposits as a secondary mineral. Its distinct crystal habit and resinous luster make it a staple in any systematic mineral collection.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Resinous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineraluncommonApatite Group family

Vanadinite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Resinous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this vanadinite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch vanadinite with a known reference. Vanadinite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vanadinite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Vanadinite typically shows a resinous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: red, orange, brown, yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: hexagonal prisms.

Often confused with

Vanadinite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Luster reads resinous on Vanadinite and adamantine on Mimetite.

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Often found alongside vanadinite

Minerals reported to co-occur with vanadinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₅(VO₄)₃Cl
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 6.8-7.1 g/cm³
Colors: Red Orange Brown Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Resinous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Hexagonal Prisms
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector, Ore of Vanadium
Host rock: Oxidized Lead Deposits
Typical price: $10-100 thumbnail, $200-2000 cabinet specimen

Where rockhounds find vanadinite

Classic worldwide localities

Mibladene, Morocco
Apache Mine, Arizona, USA
San Carlos, Mexico
Tsumeb, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized lead deposits country — that is the host setting where vanadinite typically forms. If you start seeing barite, galena, wulfenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a hexagonal prisms habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify vanadinite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a resinous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include red, orange, brown, yellow.

Where is vanadinite found?+

Notable localities include Mibladene, Morocco; Apache Mine, Arizona, USA; San Carlos, Mexico; Tsumeb, Namibia.

How much is vanadinite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $10-100 thumbnail, $200-2000 cabinet specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is vanadinite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead; handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not ingest dust or fragments. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like vanadinite?+

Vanadinite is most often confused with Wulfenite, Mimetite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with vanadinite?+

Vanadinite commonly co-occurs with Barite, Galena, Wulfenite, Cerussite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does vanadinite form in?+

Vanadinite typically forms in oxidized lead deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is vanadinite used for?+

Vanadinite is used in collector, ore of vanadium.

Find vanadinite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.