Vanadinite on Baryte (classic material)

Item Description

Without a doubt, the finest crystals of Vanadinite ever found are those from the Mibladen District in Morocco. Although these amazing specimens have been mined for multiple decades at this point, they are still the standard for the species. They are truly remarkable, as nothing can rival their superior color and quality. Fine specimens are still highly valued on the market today, and it's easy to see why. This is a wonderful showy small cabinet specimen of this classic material featuring excellent, sharp, well-formed, tabular hexagonal crystals with that classic red color, measuring up to about 4 mm across, sitting on beautiful bladed white Baryte crystals forming "rose"-shaped groups. I think most people would agree that Baryte is the most coveted matrix for these crystals. I can't find any damage of note on the front display side. The glistening luster combined with the lovely red hue and sharpness of the crystals is excellent. If you collect Vanadinites (or minerals of the Apatite Group), Moroccan minerals or just really attractive examples of classic material, don't pass this one up.
From the collection of Colorado mining legend, Dave Bergman. Dave is now retired, but among other things, he was the foreman and primary person in charge of recovering specimens at the famous Sweet Home Mine near Alma, Colorado during the late 1970s. He is also the maternal grandfather of Brian Kosnar. See Dave's photo mining at the Sweet Home on page 58 of Peter Bancroft's book "Gem and Crystal Treasures".