Detailed information
Species
Vanadinite
Dimensions
48 x 45 x 12
mm
Locality
Mibladen Midelt, Khénifra Morocco
Condition
No recorded repairs
Specimens of this platy crystal habit of Vanadinite came out of Morocco several years ago in a quick burst over a short period. We now hardly see any on the market, suggesting this was a limited, one-off find. This splendid platy miniature displays excellent burnt cherry to blood red tabular hexagonal Vanadinite crystals on both sides, some measuring to 1.7 cm in an overlapping and stepped habit. On one side in particular they are offset and overlap, similar to roof tiles or a dragon’s scales, producing a beautiful effect and most unusual crystallographic arrangement. The scaly surfaces are slightly convex on one side and concave on the opposite. Examining the specimen side on, the first few rows of the smaller Vanadinite crystals curve over, as if gently bent during growth under gravity. It is a crystallographic delight both for its aesthetics and scientific interest, a really remarkable and stunning specimen. I feel sure any collector would agree.