There are 42 minerals that start with the letter V. From Vadose to Vuonnemiite. Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic solids with a defined chemical composition and a crystalline structure. They are the building blocks of rocks and are classified based on their chemical properties, crystal structure, and texture. Minerals form through a variety of geological processes, including crystallization from molten rock, precipitation from solutions, and metamorphism under high pressure and temperature. They are essential not only for geological processes but also for many industrial applications and are critical for life, serving as nutrients in biological systems.
An intriguing fact about minerals is that some larval insects use mineral particles from the environment to enhance their camouflage, adapting to their surroundings for protection against predators. This innovative use of minerals demonstrates the complex interactions between organisms and their natural habitats.
Here’s what each of the columns in the table means:
Column Name: This column indicates the specific chemical elements or compounds that make up the mineral, defining its identity and properties.
Mohs hardness: This column provides a numerical scale from 1 to 10 that ranks the hardness of the mineral based on its ability to scratch or be scratched by other substances.
Common uses: This column outlines the various applications or industries where the mineral is utilized, highlighting its practical importance in everyday life and technology.
Description: This column includes a brief overview of the mineral’s appearance, characteristics, and unique features, providing essential information for identification and understanding its role in geology and industry.
Minerals That Start With V
Minerals
chemical composition
Mohs hardness
common uses
Vadose
Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O
3-4(3.5)
None
Valbella
Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2�5-8H2O
3-4(3.5)
Not commonly used
Valborgite
(U,Ca,Ce)(V,Ti,Nb)O4
4-5(4.5)
Radioactive mineral, indicator of uranium deposits
Valentinite
Sb2O3
2-3(2.5)
Used in glass, ceramics, and as a pigment
Valleriite
Fe4S4(OH)6
1-2(1.5)
Not commonly used
Vanadinite
Pb5(VO4)3Cl
2.75-3(2.9)
Pigments, glazes
Vanclevite-(Ce)
(Ce,Ca,La)(U,Th)O4
4-5(4.5)
Radioactive mineral, indicator of uranium deposits
Vandenbrandeite
Cu(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O
2-3(2.5)
Not commonly used
Vandendriesscheite
(UO2)8(OH)11Cl�5H2O
2-3(2.5)
Radioactive mineral, indicator of uranium deposits
Vandenengsteite
(Cu,Zn)3(VO4)2�2-3H2O
2-3(2.5)
Not commonly used
Vanmeersscheite
(UO2)2V2O8�4-6H2O
3-4(3.5)
None
Vanoxinite
VO2
5-6(5.5)
Not commonly used
Vanthoffite
Na6Mg(SO4)4
2.5-3(2.75)
None
Vanyushinite
NaVUO6
5-6(5.5)
Not commonly used
Varentsovaite
Cu3(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O
3-4(3.5)
Radioactive mineral, indicator of copper and uranium deposits
Variscite
AlPO4�2H2O
5-6(5.0)
Gemstone, jewelry, and ornamental stone
Vau Element
(U,Th,Ca,Y,REE)(Ti,Nb,Ta)2O6
6-7(6.5)
Radioactive mineral, indicator of uranium deposits
Vauquelinite
PbCuCrO4(OH)
3.5-4(3.75)
Pigments
Vauxit
AlOOH
2-3(2.5)
Not commonly used
Vauxite
Fe2+Al2(PO4)2(OH)2�6-8H2O
4-5(4.5)
Mineral specimen
Vayrynenite
MnBePO4(OH)
5-6(5.5)
None
Veatchite
Sr(BO3)Cl
3.5-4(3.75)
Mineral specimen
Veenite
CaCu2+[(UO2)2(VO4)2]�6-8H2O
3-4(3.5)
Radioactive mineral, indicator of copper and uranium deposits
Velars
Fe2+Fe3+2O4
5-6(5.5)
Abrasive, pigment
Velox
CaAl2Si2O8
6-7(6.5)
Mineral specimen
Venanzite
(Na,Ca)2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2
6-6.5(6.25)
Mineral specimen
Venerite
Cu2+Fe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)4
4-5(4.5)
Mineral specimen
Verapamil
C27H38N2O4
N/A
Pharmaceutical drug
Verlite
Mn2+Mn3+
2O3(OH)2
5-6(5.5)
None
Vermiculite
(Mg,Fe,Al)3(Al,Si)4O10(OH)2�4H2O
1-2(1.5)
Insulation, absorbent
Vernadite
MnO2�nH2O
2-3(2.5)
None
Veronite
Na(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O
3-4(3.5)
Mineral specimen
Vesignieite
BaCu3V2O8(OH)
4-5(4.5)
Pigment
Vesuvianite
Ca10(Mg,Fe)2Al4(SiO4)5(OH)4
6.5-7(6.75)
Gemstone, jewelry, and ornamental stone
Vicanite
CeCa4(UO2)2(VO4)2(OH)4�4-6H2O
3-4(3.5)
Mineral specimen
Villaumite
NaF
2.5-3(2.75)
Mineral specimen
Vincentite
(Ni,Co)3S4
5-6(5.5)
Mineral specimen
Vivianite
Fe3(PO4)2�8H2O
1-2(1.5)
Pigment, mineral specimen
Vladimirova
PbCrO4
2.5-3(2.75)
Pigment
Voglite
Voigtite
Volborthite
Voronkovite
Vuagnatite
Ca2(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O
3-4(3.5)
Mineral specimen
Vuonnemiite
(Na,Ca)2(UO2)2(VO4)2�6-8H2O
3-4(3.5)
Mineral specimen
Descriptions
Vadose
A rare uranium vanadate mineral that forms as a secondary mineral in oxidized uranium deposits. It has a yellow to greenish-yellow color and a vitreous luster.
Valbella
Valbella is a uranyl vanadate mineral that forms greenish yellow to yellow-green tabular crystals. It is a secondary uranium mineral that forms in the oxidation zones of uranium deposits.
Valborgite
A radioactive mineral that forms green to yellow crystals or masses. It is an important indicator mineral for uranium deposits.
Valentinite
A rare antimony oxide mineral with an orthorhombic crystal system. It is found in association with other antimony minerals in low-temperature hydrothermal deposits.
Valleriite
Valleriite is a rare sulfide mineral that forms soft, flaky, bronze-colored masses. It is typically associated with copper and nickel sulfide deposits.
Vanadinite
A lead vanadate mineral that forms bright red to yellow-brown hexagonal prismatic crystals. It is found in oxidized lead-bearing deposits and has been used as an ore of lead and vanadium.
Vanclevite-(Ce)
A radioactive mineral that forms yellow to brown crystals or masses. It is an indicator mineral for uranium and thorium deposits.
Vandenbrandeite
Vandenbrandeite is a copper uranyl vanadate mineral that forms green to yellowish-green crystals or crusts. It is a secondary uranium mineral found in the oxidation zones of uranium deposits.
Vandendriesscheite
A radioactive mineral that forms pale green to yellow tabular crystals or crusts. It is an indicator mineral for uranium deposits.
Vandenengsteite
Vandenengsteite is a rare copper and zinc vanadate mineral that forms blue to greenish-blue, prismatic crystals. It is typically associated with other copper and vanadium minerals.
Vanmeersscheite
A rare uranium vanadate mineral that forms as a secondary mineral in oxidized uranium deposits. It has a yellow-green to olive-green color and a vitreous to dull luster.
Vanoxinite
Vanoxinite is a vanadium oxide mineral that forms dark gray to black, metallic-looking crystals. It is a rare mineral found in high-temperature metamorphic and igneous rocks.
Vanthoffite
A rare magnesium sulfate mineral that forms as an evaporite deposit. It has a white to colorless appearance and a vitreous luster.
Vanyushinite
Vanyushinite is a rare sodium uranium vanadate mineral that forms yellow to yellowish-green, prismatic crystals. It is found in uranium-bearing deposits.
Varentsovaite
A radioactive mineral that forms green to blue-green crystals or crusts. It is an indicator mineral for copper and uranium deposits.
Variscite
A rare hydrous aluminum phosphate mineral with a green to blue-green color. It forms compact nodular masses and botryoidal crusts and is found in low-temperature hydrothermal deposits.
Vau Element
A radioactive mineral that forms brown to black crystals or masses. It is an indicator mineral for uranium and thorium deposits.
Vauquelinite
A rare chromium-copper mineral that forms as an oxidation product of chromium-bearing copper deposits. It has a bright green color and a vitreous to resinous luster.
Vauxit
Vauxit is a rare aluminum oxyhydroxide mineral that forms white, yellowish, or greenish-white masses or nodules. It is typically found in bauxite deposits and lateritic soils.
Vauxite
A rare hydrous iron-aluminum phosphate mineral with a blue to green color. It forms monoclinic crystals and is found in pegmatites and hydrothermal veins.
Vayrynenite
A rare beryllium phosphate mineral that forms as a hydrothermal deposit. It has a pale yellow to pale pink color and a vitreous to pearly luster.
Veatchite
A rare borate mineral with a white to colorless appearance. It forms monoclinic crystals and is found in evaporite deposits and altered volcanic rocks.
Veenite
A radioactive mineral that forms green to blue-green crystals or crusts. It is an indicator mineral for copper and uranium deposits.
Velars
A black iron oxide mineral that can be used as an abrasive or pigment.
Velox
A rare calcium aluminosilicate mineral with a white to gray color. It forms monoclinic crystals and is found in mafic igneous rocks and high-grade metamorphic rocks.
Venanzite
A rare sodium-calcium magnesium-iron silicate mineral with a green to brown color. It forms monoclinic crystals and is found in alkaline igneous rocks.
Venerite
A rare copper-iron arsenate mineral with a green to blue-green color. It forms monoclinic crystals and is found in oxidized copper deposits.
Verapamil
A synthetic organic compound used as a calcium channel blocker drug for the treatment of hypertension, angina, and certain heart rhythm disorders.
Verlite
A rare manganese oxide mineral that forms in hydrothermal deposits. It has a dark brown to black color and a submetallic to dull luster.
Vermiculite
A hydrous phyllosilicate mineral that expands when heated, forming a lightweight, porous material. It has a platy, micaceous appearance and a yellow to brown color.
Vernadite
A rare manganese oxide mineral that forms as a weathering product of other manganese minerals. It has a dark brown to black color and a dull to earthy luster.
Veronite
A rare sodium uranyl vanadate mineral with a green to yellow-green color. It forms monoclinic crystals and is found in uranium-vanadium deposits.
Vesignieite
A rare copper vanadate mineral that forms as a secondary mineral in oxidized copper deposits. It has a bright green color and a vitreous to resinous luster.
Vesuvianite
A common calcium-magnesium-iron-aluminum silicate mineral with a variety of colors (green, brown, yellow, purple). It forms tetragonal crystals and is found in contact metamorphic rocks.
Vicanite
A rare cerium-calcium uranyl vanadate mineral with a green to yellow-green color. It forms monoclinic crystals and is found in uranium-vanadium deposits.
Villaumite
A rare sodium fluoride mineral with a colorless to white appearance. It forms cubic crystals and is found in alkaline igneous rocks and carbonatites.
Vincentite
A rare nickel-cobalt sulfide mineral with a bronze to brass-yellow color. It forms cubic crystals and is found in nickel-bearing hydrothermal deposits.
Vivianite
A common hydrous iron phosphate mineral with a blue to blue-green color. It forms monoclinic crystals and is found in reduced sedimentary environments and some peat deposits.
Vladimirova
A rare lead chromate mineral with a yellow to orange-yellow color. It forms monoclinic crystals and is found in oxidized chromium-bearing deposits.
Voglite
Vronskite
Vuagnatite
A rare calcium uranyl vanadate mineral with a yellow-green to green color. It forms monoclinic crystals and is found in uranium-vanadium deposits.
Vuonnemiite
A rare sodium-calcium uranyl vanadate mineral with a green to yellow-green color. It forms monoclinic crystals and is found in uranium-vanadium deposits.
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