Vanadinite Mibladen Morocco

Vanadinite from Mibladen, Morocco (2001) 

A very fine specimen from one of the regions producing the most remarkable examples.

Chemical formula: Pb5(VO4)3Cl (lead chlorovanadate). Hardness on the Mohs scale: 3. Density: 6.8 to 7.1.

Stone dimensions: L: 92mm x W: 93mm x H: 43mm x weight: 460g.

Origin and Etymology of Vanadinite

Vanadinite was first discovered in Mexico in 1801 by Andrés Manuel del Río, a Spanish mineralogist. It was originally mistaken for red lead, also known as crocodite. It was not until 1830 that Nils Gabriel Sefström, a Swedish chemist, correctly identified the element vanadium in this mineral. The name "vanadinite" was then chosen, in homage to Vanadis, another name for the Nordic goddess Freyja, because of the diversity of colours that this mineral can present.