Description
Detailed Description
This cluster of vanadinite crystals has nice aesthetic overall shape. It is in excellent condition – the two lighter-coloured spots that look like they could be damage (the middle of the specimen and also the one lower down near the centre at the bottom) are just arrested crystal growth.The largest crystal is 1.2 cm. Some of the crystal edges and terminations have tan, giving some contrast. Cool piece.
About these Vanadinites and the ACF Mine Workings
These are top quality miniature specimens of vanadinite crystals from the Mibladen Mining District, the source of the world's best vanadinite. They are from one of the main localities for the vanadinite specimens, known as the ACF Mine Workings – underground tunnels and workings, created by specimen miners in search of vanadinite. These workings are accessed from the original ACF Mine incline/shaft. If you'd like to see more about the Mibladen Mining District, including photos of some of the vanadinite workings, see Morocco: The Northern Sahara and the Atlas Mountains (Part 2). (Note, the big hole depicted in the first photograph in the other half of the article – see Part 1 – is also a vanadinite specimen-mining operation.)
