Vanadinite

specimen number:
2072252

location:
Mibladen, Draa-Tafilalet, Morocco

description:
Deep red lustrous tabular crystals of vanadinite on matrix. In good condition with very minimal micro-damage present.

The Mibladen mining district, located near the town of Midelt in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, is world-famous for producing the finest known specimens of vanadinite. Geologically, the deposit consists of lead-zinc-copper mineralization hosted within Jurassic-aged dolomitic limestones and marls, where the vanadinite formed as a secondary mineral in the oxidation zones of these lead-bearing ore bodies. The crystals from this locality are prized for their brilliant hexagonal tabular form, high luster, and intense deep-red to orange-red coloration. Historically, mining in Mibladen began under French colonial administration in the early 20th century, with industrial-scale lead extraction peaking between the 1930s and the 1970s. While large-scale commercial operations for lead ore largely ceased in 1983, the mines have remained extremely active through the work of local artisanal miners who continue to hand-quarry the tunnels specifically for mineral specimens. Today, Mibladen remains a primary global source for vanadinite, with hundreds of independent miners maintaining the tradition of specimen recovery that has made the site a legendary name in international mineralogy.

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