Template:POTD/2023-05-23
Vanadinite is a mineral belonging to the apatite group of phosphates. It is one of the main industrial ores of the metal vanadium and a minor source of lead. A dense, brittle mineral, it is usually found in the form of red hexagonal crystals. It is an uncommon mineral, formed by the oxidation of lead ore deposits such as galena. First discovered in 1801 in Mexico, vanadinite deposits have since been unearthed in South America, Europe, Africa, and North America. This cluster of reddish brown tabular vanadinite crystals, measuring 4.0 cm × 2.5 cm × 2.3 cm (1.57 in × 0.98 in × 0.91 in), was found in a mine in Mibladen, Morocco. The photograph was focus-stacked from 212 separate images using software.Photograph credit: Ivar Leidus