Minerals: Vanadates.

1. Introduction. Vanadates are a source of vanadium (V) which is a common element in the earths crust but it is only found in small quantities. Vanadium is used in industry to strengthen steel, it is used in making an iron alloy called ferrovanadium. Vanadium does not readily react with any other chemicals but it can absorb neutrons; it can be used in nuclear reactors. South Africa has one of the richest sources of minerals containing …

…many texts about minerals. Of all the phosphates, arsenates and vanadates, apatite is the only mineral that can be considered common. 5.References: "VANADINITE." LoveToKnow 1911 Online Encyclopaedia. © 2003, 2004 (http://46.1911encyclopedia.org/V/VA/VANADINITE.htm) "Phosphates" Vol. 15, "vanadium"; "vanadates" Vol.20, World book encyclopaedia © 1990 "vanadium", "arsenic", "antimony" Ebbing & Gammon (1999) General chemistry vol.6 "vanadinite, carnotite, tyuyamunite, descloizite" Minerals Rocks and Fossils (1999) George Phillips Ltd. Treasures of the Earth (1995) Orbis publishing Ltd.