Red Vanadinite Crystal Cluster – Mibladen, Morocco – 0.43 lbs

A richly colored Vanadinite Crystal Cluster from Mibladen, Morocco, featuring numerous saturated red crystals distributed across a contrasting cream-to-tan matrix. Mounted upright on a custom black display base, this sculptural specimen measures approximately 3.5 inches tall and offers excellent crystal visibility from the front, sides, and upper edge.

The primary display face presents a broad field of vanadinite ranging from tiny sparkling crystals to substantial hexagonal prisms. Larger crystals form several prominent groups across the lower center, upper rim, and right side, while smaller red crystals fill the spaces between them. This varied crystal size creates exceptional texture and gives the specimen far more depth than a uniform coating.

Color ranges from scarlet and cherry red to deep crimson, burgundy, and red-brown. Several thinner crystal edges and smaller points become translucent under concentrated lighting, revealing brighter orange-red interiors. Broad terminal faces produce sharp glassy reflections, while subtle growth zoning and stepped surfaces remain visible on selected crystals.

The pale matrix provides strong natural contrast and forms a sloping display surface that exposes the vanadinite from multiple angles. The reverse is predominantly natural matrix with additional vanadinite along the crown, plus a recessed area containing fine tan druzy and layered mineral growth.

Measuring approximately 2.5 × 3 × 3.5 inches and weighing 0.43 pounds, this specimen combines vivid color, extensive crystal coverage, strong individual crystal development, and a ready-to-display presentation from Morocco’s celebrated Mibladen locality.

Specifications

Mineral: Vanadinite

Formation: Red hexagonal vanadinite crystals distributed across pale matrix

Locality: Mibladen Mining District, Midelt Province, Morocco

Weight: 0.43 lbs, approximately 195 grams

Dimensions: Approximately 2.5 × 3 × 3.5 inches

Color: Scarlet red, cherry red, crimson, burgundy, orange-red, red-brown, cream, and tan

Crystal Habit: Hexagonal prismatic-to-tabular crystals with broad terminal faces

Primary Display Face: Numerous large and small vanadinite crystals arranged across a sloping matrix surface

Upper Crown: Dense groups of reflective red crystals continuing around the specimen’s upper edge

Reverse: Predominantly natural matrix with additional vanadinite, tan druzy, and recessed mineralized areas

Luster: Resinous-to-vitreous with highly reflective terminal faces

Transparency: Predominantly opaque, with translucent edges and thinner crystals under strong lighting

Chemical Formula: Pb₅(VO₄)₃Cl

Crystal System: Hexagonal

Mohs Hardness: Approximately 2.5–3

Display: Affixed to a custom black display base

Condition: Natural mineral specimen with inherent crystal contacts, incomplete crystals, minor edge irregularities, surface textures, inclusions, cavities, matrix fractures, and extraction-related contacts

Exact specimen shown

About Mibladen Vanadinite

Mibladen is internationally recognized for producing some of the world’s most collectible vanadinite specimens. Its crystals are especially valued for their saturated red coloration, sharply defined hexagonal forms, and striking contrast against pale barite-rich or sedimentary matrix.

Vanadinite is a lead chlorovanadate mineral that typically forms within the oxidized zones of lead deposits. Its characteristic hexagonal crystals may appear as short prisms, thick tablets, elongated forms, or complex intergrown aggregates.

Because vanadinite contains lead, it should be treated as a display specimen. Avoid creating dust, licking, soaking, or allowing children or pets to handle it. Wash your hands after handling and clean the specimen only with a soft, dry brush or gentle air blower.

Collector Notes

This specimen features:

• Natural vanadinite from Mibladen, Morocco
• Saturated scarlet-to-burgundy coloration
• Numerous well-defined hexagonal crystals
• Multiple substantial crystal groups
• Dense smaller secondary crystal coverage
• Bright reflective terminal faces
• Translucent orange-red edges under direct light
• Strong contrast against pale cream matrix
• Additional crystals continuing around the upper edge
• Tan druzy and mineralized pockets on the reverse
• Compact 0.43-pound cabinet size
• Custom mounted display presentation
• Excellent visual interest from multiple angles
• Exact specimen pictured

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You will receive the exact specimen shown.
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