Vanadinite on Barite - L

This vanadinite on barite specimen from Morocco measures 12 × 8 cm and weighs 1.05 kg. Dense clusters of small, sharply hexagonal vanadinite crystals in deep red cover a pale barite base, their sparkling, almost velvety surface texture typical of vanadinite's fine crystal habit. Vanadinite forms as a secondary mineral where lead ore deposits have weathered and oxidized, and Morocco's Mibladen region is one of the world's most productive sources of well-formed specimens like this one. At this larger size, the density of crystal coverage is especially pronounced.