Vladimirite
A variety of Minerals
What is Vladimirite?
Vladimirite is a rare calcium arsenate mineral with a formula of Ca5(HAsO4)2(AsO4)2·5H2O. It is named after the Vladimirovskoye deposit in Russia, where it was discovered in the 1950s. Vladimirite is monoclinic-prismatic, which means crystallographically, it contains three axes of unequal length and the angles between two of the axes are 90 degrees, and one is less than 90 degrees. It belongs to the space group P21/c. The mineral also has an orthorhombic polytype. In terms of its optical properties, vladimirite is anisotropic which means the velocity of light varies depending on direction through the mineral. Relief is a diagnostic characteristic of a mineral in plane polarized light that refers to the various ways different minerals "stand out". Vladimirite's calculated relief is 1.65-1.661, which is moderate. It is colorless in plane polarized light, and it is weakly pleochroic. Pleochroism is the variety of colors under plane polarized light displayed by crystals at various angles.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Vladimirite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Vladimirite Localities Map
See where Vladimirite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Formation of Vladimirite
Vladimirite was first described in 1953 at two deposits in Russia, the Khovu-Aksy nickel-cobalt deposit, Tuva Republic, and the Vladimirovskoye cobalt deposit, Altai Mountains, Altaiskii Krai, Siberia. It is a secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of arsenic-bearing ore deposits. It occurs with picropharmacolite, erythrite and aragonite. It has been reported from the Richelsdorf Mountains, Hesse, Germany; the Bou Azzer district, Morocco and the Mohawk mine, Keweenaw County, Michigan.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Usually colorless to white, also pale rose
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 3.5
- Density
- 3.17 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Ca4(AsO4)2(AsO3OH) · 4H2O
- Elements
- As, Ca, H, O
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Vladimirite FAQs
How do I identify Vladimirite?
Vladimirite can be identified by its hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale, Usually colorless to white color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Vladimirite?
Vladimirite typically appears in Usually colorless to white, also pale rose. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Vladimirite?
Vladimirite has a hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the formation of vladimirite of Vladimirite?
Vladimirite was first described in 1953 at two deposits in Russia, the Khovu-Aksy nickel-cobalt deposit, Tuva Republic, and the Vladimirovskoye cobalt deposit, Altai Mountains, Altaiskii Krai, Siberia. It is a secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of arsenic-bearing ore deposits. It occurs with picropharmacolite, erythrite and aragonite. It has been reported from the Richelsdorf Mountains, Hesse, Germany; the Bou Azzer district, Morocco and the Mohawk mine, Keweenaw County, Michigan.
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