Home > American Minerals V – October 1 > MS1672 Vanadinite (Tiger!)

Vanadinite (Tiger!) - Sold


Vanadinite is a lead vanadate chloride, and a member of the apatite supergroup (Pasero et al., 2010). Andrés Del Río (1764-1848), originally analyzed this species from Zimapán, Mexico, and recognized its content of a new metallic element. Later workers named this metal vanadium. Ultimately, von Kobell (1838) renamed this mineral vanadinite for its vanadium content.

Vanadinite crystals to 4 mm have encrusted a breccia fragment. The color is a vibrant yellow-orange and the luster is brilliant. Black specks of manganese oxide accentuate the piece. This specimen was part of the personal collection of Ralph Merrill, proprietor of the prolific mail order business Minerals Unlimited. Merrill's collection card and label ship with the specimen. Merrill obtained this specimen from W. George Griffith in 1951.