Location: Mibladen Mining District, Midelt, Khenifra Prov., Meknes-Tafilalet Region., Morocco

Size: 2.70 x 1.84 x 0.71 inches

Deep red brown crystals of Vanadinite on bright white Barite blades. This piece is way underpriced! But as with all my pieces I bought it at a great deal and I am passing the savings along to you.

Vanadinite is an uncommon mineral formed by the oxidation of lead ore deposits belonging to the apatite group of phosphates. It is one of the main industrial ore for the metal vanadium and a minor source of lead (as other minerals containing lead are much more abundant like galena). Vanadinite is a heavy, brittle mineral and usually occurs in the form of red hexagonal crystals.

Barite is a mineral composed of barium sulfate and comes in a wide range of colors. Barite is often identified by its high specific gravity of 4.5 which is very high for a nonmetallic mineral. The high specific gravity of barite makes it suitable for a wide range of industrial, medical, and manufacturing uses. Barite serves as the principal ore of barium as well as having a wide range of uses in manufacturing, industrial and medical.

Did You Know? Controversy exists regarding the spelling of Barite. This mineral has always been spelled "Barite" in the United States but in the United Kingdom, the spelling has traditionally been "Baryte."