Vanadinite

Item Description

Vanadinite from Morocco is definitive for the species for the machined precision of the crystals found here; and while there has been admittedly a huge quantity of production, some still stands above the rest. This large display specimen, mostly probably from a large 2008 discovery with such characteristically robust crystals and this style of coloration, has dozens of sharp crystals to 2 cm with phenomenal luster. The crystals here have rich red base color with highlight zones of orange or yellow within, that give the crystals an unusual depth. The crystals are all super lustrous, with high glassy luster. Moreover, the luster is all around, on all sides - for some reason, many large vanadinite specimens in particular have crystals that are glassy on one side and edges, but frosted or dull on the other side - but these crystals do not have that problem. Overall, amid the dozens of fine and sparkling crystals to 2 cm, there is almost no damage - just a few dings here and there, to be expected given the size. This large specimen is from the James Perry collection, and was valued at $10-12,000 for quality, size, and dramatic coloration.