1.1" Vanadinite and Calcite Crystal Association - Apex Mine, Mexico

This is a gorgeous association of red-orange vanadinite crystals and rhombohedral calcite crystals. It was collected from the Apex mine in Chihuahua, Mexico.

This specimen has been mounted to an acrylic display base with mineral tack.

Vanadinite is a mineral belonging to the apatite group of phosphates, with the chemical formula Pb5(VO4)3Cl. 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.

The lead and vanadium in the vanadinite can be harmful if absorbed into the blood stream by inhalation or ingestion. The crystals won't pose a health hazard just sitting on a shelf, but we recommend that you wash your hands after handling.

Calcite, CaCO3, is a carbonate mineral and the most stable polymorph of calcium carbonate. The other polymorphs are the minerals aragonite and vaterite. Calcite crystals are trigonal-rhombohedral, though actual calcite rhombohedra are rare as natural crystals. However, they show a remarkable variety of habits including acute to obtuse rhombohedra, tabular forms, and prisms. Calcite exhibits several twinning types adding to the variety of observed forms. It may occur as fibrous, granular, lamellar, or compact. Cleavage is usually in three directions parallel to the rhombohedron form.

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DETAILS
SPECIES
Vanadinite & Calcite
LOCATION
Apex Mine, San Carlos, Chihuahua, Mexico
SIZE
1.1 x .8"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#165313