VANADINITE FROM MOROCCO FOR SALE

Notable Moroccan Localities

Vanadinite is found in the oxidation zones of lead deposits. It is often associated with the oxidation of the mineral galena, which is a primary ore of lead. Formation happens in arid environments where overburden waters leach vanadium and chlorine into oxidation zones and vanadinite crystals solidify. Vanadinite is one of the main ores of the metal vanadium, and is occasionally used as an ore of lead.

Mibladen - This locality is easily the most famous for its abundance of large, vibrant crystals. It is Mibladen vanadinite that is often the first image that pops into one’s mind when thinking about vanadinite. These crystals are a brilliant blood-red and exhibit a resinous luster that catches light at each facet. Vanadinite from Mibladen forms in dense, squat, hexagonal clusters of plates that heap upon each other on the matrix. The shape, thickness, and color are breathtaking to behold and add an impressive weight to each specimen. Occasionally, specimens will be found on a matrix of white or pink bladed barite. This association contrasts nicely and makes a fine display piece.

Taouz - In Taouz, the vanadinite bears a similar hexagonal shape and cluster pattern as those in Mibladen. However, these crystals are typically a fiery orange color instead of bright red. Crystals from this region are also often found on goethite, a deep black iron mineral. While not as popular as those from Mibladen, specimens from Taouz are just as attractive and make a fine addition to any collection.

Touissit - Crystals from Touissit are most often a yellow-brown color and share the same large, hexagonal prism shape of Mibladen and Taouz varieties and similar cluster tendencies. However, these crystals seem to be less translucent than red or orange vanadinite, and striations on the crystal body are more apparent. Touissit vanadinite typically forms on a dark magnesium-oxide matrix that adds to the deep yellow tones of the crystals. Red crystals also occur in Touissit, but these are far less common than yellow-brown.