Comparison · Vanadate Minerals vs Molybdate Minerals
Vanadinite vs Wulfenite
Vanadinite and Wulfenite are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 3, 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 Vanadinite and Wulfenite
- Both sit near Mohs 3, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Streak color differs: Vanadinite leaves a brownish yellow streak on unglazed porcelain, Wulfenite leaves white.
- Luster is different: Vanadinite is resinous while Wulfenite is adamantine.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Vanadinite is translucent, Wulfenite is transparent.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Vanadinite is hexagonal, Wulfenite is tetragonal.
Vanadinite vs Wulfenite properties
| Property | Vanadinite | Wulfenite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Vanadate Minerals | Molybdate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 3 | 3 |
| Luster | resinous | adamantine |
| Streak | Brownish yellow | White |
| Transparency | translucent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 6.9 | 6.8 |
| Crystal system | hexagonal | tetragonal |
| Common colors | Red, Orange, Brown, Yellow | Orange, Yellow, Red, Brown |
| Rarity | uncommon | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $10–$500+ | $12–$700+ |
Which is more valuable?
Wulfenite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $80 against $60 for Vanadinite, and premium Wulfenite can reach $700 or more.
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.
About Wulfenite
Wulfenite is a lead molybdate famous for its brilliant orange to yellow tabular crystals. A secondary mineral of oxidized lead deposits, it is a highly popular collector species and a minor ore of molybdenum.
Vanadinite vs Wulfenite FAQ
Is Vanadinite the same as Wulfenite?
No. Vanadinite is a vanadate mineral while Wulfenite is a molybdate mineral. Both sit near Mohs 3, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Vanadinite from Wulfenite?
Both sit near Mohs 3, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Streak color differs: Vanadinite leaves a brownish yellow streak on unglazed porcelain, Wulfenite leaves white. Luster is different: Vanadinite is resinous while Wulfenite is adamantine.
Which is harder, Vanadinite or Wulfenite?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 3.
Which is more valuable, Vanadinite or Wulfenite?
Wulfenite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $80 against $60 for Vanadinite, and premium Wulfenite can reach $700 or more.
