Vanadinite

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Lustrous red thick tabular crystals of vanadinite to 1.3 cm in size on matrix. Minimal micro-damage present, in good condition. The Mibladen mining district, located near Midelt in the High Atlas Mountains of central Morocco, is a globally renowned locality famous for producing magnificent hexagonal crystals of red vanadinite. Geologically, the deposit is classified as a Mississippi Valley-Type (MVT) lead-baryte system where primary galena, barite, and fluorite mineralization was structurally emplaced within Early Jurassic limestone and dolomite formations. Subsequent extensive supergene weathering and surface oxidation of these primary sulfide ores interacted with regional vanadiniferous host rocks and arid chloride brines, precipitating world-class secondary mineral coatings. Industrial underground mining and extensive shaft-sinking operations targeting lead ore began under French colonial administration in 1926, peaking in the 1950s when production reached 14000 tons of lead concentrate annually. Commercial operations steadily declined due to rising production costs and resource depletion, culminating in the permanent closure and nationalization of the commercial mine complex by the Moroccan government in 1976. Following the end of official industrial operations, local miners transitioned into small-scale, artisanal surface and gallery digging, establishing a highly structured specimen recovery market that continues to actively supply international mineral collectors.