Vanadinite

specimen number:
2282110

location:
Mibladen, Midelt, Morocco

description:
Lustrous red tabular crystals of vanadanite in a cluster without matrix. In good condition.

The Mibladen mining district, located near Midelt in the Upper Moulouya basin of eastern Morocco, is an important lead deposit situated between the High and Middle Atlas mountains. Geologically, the stratiform ore bodies are hosted within Liassic limestones and dolomites, where primary galena and baryte mineralization occurred. Subsequent supergene alteration within the oxidation zones of these deposits led to the development of secondary minerals, including vanadinite, cerussite, and wulfenite, within karstic cavities and fractures. Industrial-scale underground mining operations began around 1926 under French corporate control, eventually transitioning to the Societe des Mines d'Aouli. Production of lead concentrates peaked during the 1950s, but rising operational costs, depleting reserves, and a shift toward other regional deposits led to the nationalization of the complex and its permanent closure in 1976. Following the end of commercial operations, the site transitioned into a center for artisanal specimen recovery by local miners working the old shafts and workings.

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