3.7" Glittering, Ruby Red Vanadinite Crystals on Barite - Morocco

About Vanadinite From Morocco

Vanadinite from Morocco is world-famous for producing some of the finest red crystal specimens on the planet. In the arid hills surrounding Mibladen and Taouz, vanadinite forms as vibrant clusters of hexagonal prisms, often with a deep crimson to orange-red color that seems to glow against the pale desert matrix. These crystals typically develop in dense groups, coating barite blades or covering weathered limestone with dazzling, glassy faces and sharp geometric symmetry. The dryness of the region and the slow oxidation of ancient lead deposits create the perfect geochemical environment for vanadinite to grow with exceptional clarity, luster, and intensity of color. Moroccan vanadinite is highly prized by collectors for its bold aesthetics, architectural crystal formations, and the consistent quality that has made these localities the global benchmark for the species.

Safety Warning: The lead and vanadium in the vanadinite can be harmful if absorbed into the blood stream by inhalation or ingestion. The crystals won't pose a health hazard just sitting on a shelf, but we recommend that you wash your hands after handling.

About Barite (Baryte)

Barite is a barium sulfate mineral (BaSO₄) known for its high specific gravity, which makes it unusually heavy for a non-metallic mineral. Typically forming in tabular or bladed crystals, barite can also appear in massive, fibrous, or nodular habits. Its colors range from colorless and white to shades of blue, yellow, gray, or brown, often influenced by trace impurities. Barite commonly forms in hydrothermal veins, sedimentary rocks, and as a gangue mineral in lead-zinc ore deposits. It is widely used in industrial applications, especially as a weighting agent in drilling muds for oil and gas exploration. Its striking crystal formations and vivid hues also make it a popular mineral for collectors.