Vanadinite on Bladed Baryte from Mibladen

This vanadinite specimen comes from the Mibladen mining district near Midelt in Morocco. Numerous orange to orange-red vanadinite crystals cover a three-dimensionally developed matrix of white to cream-colored baryte.

Fan- and Rosette-Shaped Baryte Aggregates

The baryte forms thin, bladed to tabular crystals arranged in numerous fan- and rosette-shaped groups. This finely structured arrangement gives the relatively flat specimen a pronounced three-dimensional appearance. Numerous small vanadinite crystals sit on the baryte and stand out clearly from the pale matrix due to their strong color.

The vanadinite is particularly dense on the left side of the specimen, where the lustrous, predominantly short-prismatic crystals form coherent groups. Additional individual crystals and smaller clusters are distributed across the remaining surface. As a result, the characteristic bladed habit of the baryte remains clearly visible over large areas.

Large Cabinet Specimen with a Contrasting Paragenesis

Measuring 11.5 × 7.5 × 1.5 cm, the specimen belongs to the large cabinet size category. It weighs 157.3 g. Despite its limited depth, the piece has a strong overall presence due to the layered baryte aggregates and the rich vanadinite coverage.

The classic combination of orange to orange-red vanadinite and pale, bladed baryte is characteristic of the Mibladen mining district. Its size, contrasting mineral association, and varied structure make this an attractive collector’s specimen.