Vanadanite and Barite

Vanadinite and barite from the Midelt area are some of the most recognizable Moroccan mineral specimens. The Mibladen mining district, about 25 km northeast of Midelt, is known for its bright red to orange vanadinite crystals growing on white barite. The contrast between the two is a big part of what makes these specimens so distinctive.

Mibladen has a long mining history, with hundreds of shafts worked through the first half of the 20th century for lead and barite. The old workings continue to produce collector specimens, including vanadinite, barite, cerussite, and wulfenite.