Comparison · Phosphate Minerals vs Vanadate Minerals
Pyromorphite vs Vanadinite
Pyromorphite and Vanadinite are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 3.75, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Pyromorphite and Vanadinite
- Both sit near Mohs 3.75, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Streak color differs: Pyromorphite leaves a white streak on unglazed porcelain, Vanadinite leaves brownish yellow.
- They overlap in yellow, brown, and orange, but Pyromorphite also comes in green and Vanadinite also comes in red.
Pyromorphite vs Vanadinite properties
| Property | Pyromorphite | Vanadinite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Phosphate Minerals | Vanadate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 3.75 | 3 |
| Luster | resinous | resinous |
| Streak | White | Brownish yellow |
| Transparency | translucent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 7 | 6.9 |
| Crystal system | hexagonal | hexagonal |
| Common colors | Green, Yellow-green, Yellow, Brown, Orange | Red, Orange, Brown, Yellow |
| Rarity | uncommon | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $15–$600+ | $10–$500+ |
Which is more valuable?
Pyromorphite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $90 against $60 for Vanadinite, and premium Pyromorphite can reach $600 or more.
About Pyromorphite
Pyromorphite is a lead phosphate mineral prized for its bright green to yellow-green color and barrel-shaped hexagonal crystals. It is dense, has a resinous luster, and forms in the weathered upper zones of lead deposits.
About Vanadinite
Vanadinite is a lead chlorovanadate famous for its brilliant red to orange hexagonal crystals. A heavy, secondary mineral of oxidized lead deposits, it is highly sought by collectors and serves as an ore of both vanadium and lead.
Pyromorphite vs Vanadinite FAQ
Is Pyromorphite the same as Vanadinite?
No. Pyromorphite is a phosphate mineral while Vanadinite is a vanadate mineral. Both sit near Mohs 3.75, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Pyromorphite from Vanadinite?
Both sit near Mohs 3.75, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Streak color differs: Pyromorphite leaves a white streak on unglazed porcelain, Vanadinite leaves brownish yellow. They overlap in yellow, brown, and orange, but Pyromorphite also comes in green and Vanadinite also comes in red.
Which is harder, Pyromorphite or Vanadinite?
Pyromorphite is harder: Mohs 3.75 against Mohs 3 for Vanadinite.
Which is more valuable, Pyromorphite or Vanadinite?
Pyromorphite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $90 against $60 for Vanadinite, and premium Pyromorphite can reach $600 or more.
