Weight: 310g

Dimensions: 11.4 x 6.5 x 4.4 cm

Largest Crystal Size: 1.7 x 1.3 cm

Discovered deep within the historic mining district of Mibladen, Morocco, this breathtaking specimen comes from the only known gem-quality vanadinite pocket ever unearthed to date—an extraordinary find by our close friend and partner, Abdou, a seasoned miner who has spent his life underground in search of Morocco’s mineral treasures.

This specific piece showcases a dazzling contrast of razor-sharp, lustrous deep cherry-red vanadinite hexagonal crystals perched elegantly atop golden-orange barite blades. The barite forms a radiant matrix of fan-like patterns that illuminate the deep red crystals with striking visual intensity. The centerpiece is a commanding 1.7 cm x 1.3 cm crystal, sharp and undamaged, with natural zoning that flashes in the light—hallmarks of true gem pocket material.

Why This Specimen Is So Rare:

While vanadinite is relatively common in the Mibladen region, gem-quality pockets are almost mythical—this pocket, discovered by Abdou and his brothers in 2019, is the only confirmed source of vanadinite with this level of clarity, luster, and pristine crystal form. Most vanadinite from the area is smaller, often opaque, and rarely comes out in such aesthetic harmony with undamaged barite. The precision of crystallization, mirror-like faces, and saturated gemmy color make this specimen part of Moroccan mineralogical history.

Abdou risked both body and livelihood to extract these under extreme conditions: narrow, unstable passages, loose rock, and low oxygen levels. Only a small portion of the pocket was ever recovered. After a few pieces were sold to cover mining costs, the rest remained hidden until now.

Geological Context:

Mibladen is part of the Atlas Mountain range and formed through hydrothermal processes where vanadium-rich fluids precipitated vanadinite (Pb₅(VO₄)₃Cl) within oxidation zones of lead ore deposits. The barite matrix is a sulfate mineral that often forms as a secondary phase in these same pockets. The conditions required for such gemmy crystal growth—low disturbance, precise temperature, fluid chemistry—are exceedingly rare, and have not been replicated since.

This is a legacy specimen—a once-in-a-lifetime find from a vanadinite pocket that may never be seen again.