Collection: Vanadinite

Vanadinite: A Bright Mineral Born from Alteration and Discovery

Vanadinite is an uncommon lead chlorovanadate mineral, typically forming as bright red to orange hexagonal crystals. It only occurs through secondary chemical alterations of lead-bearing materials, making it both geologically rare and visually striking.

The mineral was first discovered in 1801 in Mexico by Spanish mineralogist Andrés Manuel del Río, who initially named it "brown lead" and believed it contained a new element. He called the element pancromium, then erythronium, before later dismissing it as an impure form of chromium. It was eventually confirmed to contain a new element, later named vanadium, for which vanadinite became one of the primary sources.

Today, vanadinite is prized not only for its vibrant color and crystal structure but also for its role in the early history of element discovery.

This collection features hand-selected vanadinite specimens, chosen for color saturation, crystal formation, and matrix contrast.

10% of every purchase supports environmental foundations in vanadinite-producing regions.

🔴 Brilliant red-orange hexagonal crystals
📜 Tied to the discovery of vanadium
🌍 Ethically sourced and collector curated