Vanadinite

specimen number:
2341177

location:
ACF Mine, Mibladen, Midelt, Draa-Tafilalet, Morocco

description:
Reddish-brown lustrous sparkling crystals of vanadinite averaging 0.3 cm in size mostly covering this shapely an aesthetic matrix of crystallized bladed barite. This is in good condition all around. A floater, this is crystallized on the bottom of the piece as well. From 2011, the specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Jan Erik Larsen.

Mibladen, located in the high plateau region of the Middle Atlas Mountains in Morocco, is a world-famous historic mining district with operations that expanded significantly during the French protectorate in the early to mid-20th century for lead and barite. Geologically, the deposit is situated within secondary sedimentary carbonate formations, where mineralizing hydrothermal fluids interacted with limestone and dolostone host rocks to form rich oxidized zones. Mineralogically, the district is globally renowned for producing exceptional, highly aesthetic specimens of orange-red vanadinite crystals, often associated with pristine barite, cerussite, and wulfenite, making it one of the most celebrated mineral localities in Africa.

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