FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[Casimir Sarisky]

I have been interested in acquiring one of these specimens from this specific locality. However seeing there is a great supply of these minerals available, I am not sure how to determine which ones are of "higher quality" since I am seeing all sorts of red, red-orange, orange-brown, and brown varieties available, and with small or large crystal formations. Even some have a coating of light brown sediment.

Can anyone tell what is the ideal color and aesthetics for a Vanadinite specimen from this locality? Thanks.

[GneissWare]

[kushmeja]

This is a very subjective question, regardless of the mineral/locality in question, so your best bet would be to look at many specimens that are in your price range and compare those against each other and decide which you like the best that's in your price range. What one sees as the most desirable type will vary greatly from person to person.

Generally, for the vanadinites, the bright red color is typically the most desirable, followed by the red/orange and red/brown ones. The more translucent/gemmy, the better usually.

Usually the bigger the crystal size, the more desirable the specimen, although there are other factors like the crystal morphology and clustering. For example, the complex hoppered crystals are typically much more desirable.

Add in other factors like is the specimen a "floater" with no matrix versus a matrix specimen & are there other desirable minerals present on the specimen, and it gets even more subjective.

It's all a matter of personal opinion though, so it's really up to your personal tastes and your budget. I personally like unusual morphologies, crystal twinning & combination specimens, so I would value such specimens more highly than comparative specimens that don't have those qualities.

[Casimir Sarisky]

Thank for the replies. I see now that my question was a matter of personal opinion on what are the "better" specimens, but at the time when I submitted the question I was not sure. Personally I thought the dark/blood red, gemmy specimens were of higher quality (and rarer) while those with brownish hues were more common variety.

I will have to see these in person. Whether or not I would prefer a smaller cluster of large crystals, or a bigger cluster with small individual crystals.

[Tobi]

Hi Casimir,

I think the most important things concerning your question have been said. But I want to point out again that the "quality" (a completely objective term) of a mineral isn't the same as the "beauty" (a very subjective term) of it. All the different vanadinites from Mibladen - not matter if red or orange or brown - come in top quality (= large crystals without damage, balanced specimen shape, good luster), but it's up to you to decide which ones you prefer. What is your intention in buying such a specimen? If you want it as an "investment" with high value, then you should probably acquire a bright red one with very large damage-free crystals on bright white baryte matrix, for most collectors would pay you a lot of money for it. If this is not your intention - simply take the one that satisfies you the most :-)

Best regards
Tobi

[Casimir Sarisky]

[Tobi]