Vanadinite on Baryte

A gorgeous showy specimen of highly lustrous, thick hexagonal Vanadinite crystals, densely clustered on a matrix of manganese oxide-coated white Baryte. From the Mibladen Mining District at Midelt, Morocco, the individual Vanadinite crystals measure to 1.3 cm across (i.e. between flats) and typically 0.6 cm thick, giving a very pleasing, chunky feel.  Their colour can appear deep cherry-red, but under more intense light turn a rich barley sugar toffee-orange.  The crystal edges are translucent and grade to a more opaque and cloudy dark orange centre.  A superb Moroccan Vanadinite and a great display piece.