Minerals.net

Vanadinite is one of the most striking minerals, with its stunning bright red and ora...  More

Vanadinite is one of the most striking minerals, with its stunning bright-red and orange crystals that are perfectly formed and look almost surreal. This mineral is truly a marvel of nature.

Vanadinite is a member of the Apatite group, a group of isomorphous hexagonal minerals. It is similar in structure and appearance to Pyromorphite and Mimetite, and may be partially replaced by those minerals. The intermediary member between Mimetite and Vanadinite is known as Endlichite.

Vanadinite specimens from some localities may darken and lose transparency upon prolonged exposure to light, so this mineral should ideally be kept away from bright light.
  Hide

Variscite is an important phosphate mineral that is best known in different shades of...  More

Variscite is an important phosphate mineral that is best-known in different shades of green. A highly desired form of this mineral are the exceptional nodules from Utah which are cut and polished as slabs or halves of nodules. These formations are usually associated with other phosphates and have interesting veins and color habits.

Variscite may alter into other phosphate minerals, especially in its nodular form. It is often only partially altered, such as in yellowish to white layers or veins within a nodule that have been transformed to Crandallite.

Variscite is the end member of a series with Strengite, with Variscite being the aluminum-dominant member and Strengite being the iron-dominant member. Variscite sometimes contains some iron in its structure. The color caused by iron will dominate, and will cause some Variscite to have a violet or reddish color even if there is less iron than aluminum present.

Variscite is named after the German district of Variscia, where this mineral was first found. Variscia is the old historical name of the current region of Vogtland.

For additional information, see the gemstone section on Variscite.
  Hide

Vesuvianite is named after Mt. Vesuvius in Italy, the famous volcano where it was ori...  More

Vesuvianite is named after Mt. Vesuvius in Italy, the famous volcano where it was originally described. The term Idocrase is an older synonym not commonly used anymore; it is more readily seen in old collection labels and classical reference guides. Although many habits of Vesuvianite are dull and uninteresting, there are some highly lustrous and brilliantly-colored forms of this mineral that are outstanding. Especially of note are the vividly-colored and multicolored varieties that came from the Jeffery Quarry in Asbestos, Quebec, which are stunning and classic forms of this mineral.
  Hide

Vivianite is a well known phosphate mineral, forming in highly aesthetic sharply colo...  More

Vivianite is a well-known phosphate mineral, forming in highly aesthetic sharply colored crystals. Vivianite often forms with organic material such as shells and fossils, and may even form inside them.

Vivianite is notorious for darkening upon exposure to light. This is caused by a chemical transformation of the iron which is responsible for its color deepening and decrease of transparency. Continued exposure may eventually turn a specimen black and make it completely opaque. Certain specimens may also be unstable and form cracks along cleavage surfaces when exposed to light. Due to its instability, it is recommended to keep all Vivianite specimens covered and out of any light except for the short periods of time when it is being looked at.

Vivianite is named in honor of John Henry Vivian (1785 - 1855), an English mineralogist and mine owner who first discovered this mineral in Cornwall.  Hide