Vanadinite (Specimen #100286)

Mineral(s):   Vanadinite

Location:  ACF Mine, Mibladen, Aït Oufella Caïdat, Midelt Cercle, Midelt Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region, Morocco

Size:  3.3 x 3.2 x 2.3 cm

Description: A beautiful vanadinite specimen from Mibladen, easily the source of the world's finest examples of the species. The specimen is a cluster of brilliant, intergrown, reddish brown, stout tabular crystals. This intergrown mounded specimen is complete all-around with no matrix. There is minimal bruising and the crystals on the back of the specimen have an oxide coating typical of specimens from this locale.

The Mibladen mining district in Morocco is one of the most famous sources of high-quality vanadinite specimens, characterized by rich red crystal. Specimens are recovered in a series of very old mine dumps and shallow diggings in the Mibladen Mine complex.  At the time of operation, the ACF mine employed more than 300 workers. The mine was active for lead until the 1970's. After that date collecting was carried out by local miners digging in the most promising areas of the old mine.