{"product_id":"vanadinite-mibladen-midelt-moroco","title":"Vanadinite - Mibladen, Midelt, Morocco","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"90\" data-end=\"810\"\u003eThis specimen is \u003cstrong data-start=\"107\" data-end=\"121\"\u003eVanadinite\u003c\/strong\u003e, a lead vanadate chloride (Pb₅(VO₄)₃Cl), formed as a \u003cstrong data-start=\"175\" data-end=\"196\"\u003esecondary mineral\u003c\/strong\u003e in the oxidation zones of lead ore deposits. The striking red to orange hexagonal crystals seen here are classic for \u003cstrong data-start=\"314\" data-end=\"326\"\u003eMibladen\u003c\/strong\u003e, one of the world’s most important vanadinite localities. Geologically, these crystals developed when primary lead minerals (such as galena) were altered by oxygen-rich groundwater, allowing vanadium to combine with lead and chlorine under arid, oxidizing conditions. The result is the sharp, well-defined hexagonal prisms and tabular crystals with high luster and saturated color that Mibladen is famous for—often growing in stacked or columnar formations, as visible in this piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"812\" data-end=\"1519\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eHistorically, the \u003cstrong data-start=\"830\" data-end=\"858\"\u003eMibladen mining district\u003c\/strong\u003e has been worked since the early 20th century, primarily for \u003cstrong data-start=\"919\" data-end=\"927\"\u003elead\u003c\/strong\u003e, with vanadinite discovered as a spectacular byproduct. Moroccan vanadinites entered the international mineral market in the mid-to-late 1900s and quickly became legendary among collectors due to their exceptional crystal form, color intensity, and size. Today, Mibladen vanadinite is considered a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1226\" data-end=\"1251\"\u003eclassic world mineral\u003c\/strong\u003e, frequently featured in museum collections and high-end private assemblages. Specimens like this one represent both a geological process tied to oxidation chemistry and a historical legacy of North African mining that reshaped the global mineral-collecting landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e**Specimen from historic collection of Luiz Menezes, one of Brazil’s most respected mineral collectors from Brazil**\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eApproximate measurements: 48.67 x 18.74 x 20.88 mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWeight: 20.91 g\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lolo Terra","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46908070002858,"sku":"LU-SP-52-2\/40752","price":180.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/www.loloterra.com\/products\/vanadinite-mibladen-midelt-moroco","provider":"Lolo Terra","version":"1.0","type":"link"}