Vanadinite is a rare phosphate mineral and a member of the Apatite family that shares the same structure and sometimes the same crystal shapes as Apatite. Vanadinite varies in color from striking red to dusty orange and usually forms as squat hexagonal tabular crystals that terminate in a flat face. Vanadinite is almost always found in exposed lead deposits in arid climates, especially in Arizona, Mexico, Argentina, Namibia, Zambia and South Africa. The finest Vanadinite comes from Mibladen in Morocco, where the mineral occurs with vivid red-orange colors and nice crystal structures. The name 'Vanadinite' refers to the mineral's high vanadium content, though it is interesting to note that 'vanadium' was named by Swedish chemist Nils Gabriel Sefstrom after Vanadis, the Scandinavian Goddess of beauty.

Vanadium is a relatively soft mineral but when alloyed with metals like iron it hardens and strengthens considerably. It is mainly used to make alloys for tools and construction and its incredible strength makes it useful in the aerospace, military and industrial sectors.

Although a relatively modern discovery, Vanadinite is used by many crystal healers, especially to help treat asthma and breathing difficulties. Metaphysically the mineral is believed to help impose order and structure, and meditation with Vanadinite before beginning a complex project might be useful. Vanadinite is variously linked to the Base (Root) Chakra and the Heart Chakra and astrologically would be suitable for anyone born under the signs of Scorpio or Capricorn.