Vanadinite with Barite

specimen number:
2072278

location:
Mibladen, Draa-Tafilalet, Morocco

description:
Lustrous red tabular crystals of vanadanite measuring to almost 1.0 cm in size across the top of a bladed barite matrix. In good condition with just slight damage present to some of the barite crystals.

The Mibladen mining district, located in the Midelt Province of the DrAA-Tafilalet region in Morocco, is situated within the Upper Moulouya Basin between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains. Geologically, the deposit consists of Mississippi Valley-Type (MVT) mineralization where lead-bearing fluids deposited ore within Jurassic-age carbonate rocks, specifically dolomitized limestones. Mibladen is world-renowned for producing the finest known specimens of vanadinite, a lead chlorovanadate mineral that forms vibrant, hexagonal, blood-red to orange-red crystals often characterized by a high adamantine luster. Historically, mining and quarrying activities for lead ore began under French colonial oversight in the early 20th century, with the Societe des Mines de Zeida and other entities intensifying operations between 1930 and 1950. While large-scale industrial underground extraction for lead officially ceased in 1983 due to economic shifts, the area has remained intensely active for specimen mining. Local artisanal miners continue to operate numerous small shafts and surface diggings as of 2026, ensuring Mibladen remains the primary global source for top-tier vanadinite crystals and a site of major importance to international mineralogy.

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