It Sparkled, I Bought It: Vanadanite

I have a weakness for fine pieces of Vanadanite, a crystal well known to collectors and also a special treasure in Arizona. This piece is from Morocco, a rock lover's Paradise. This small piece is about 4" long and 2 1/4" wide, with so many crystals of vanadanite sprinkled all over. I was drawn to the many shades of yellow to gold to orange and then red. The matrix is especially sparkling with calcite and other clear crystals. I hope to work with this piece again to really bring out its special beauty. This was seen and purchased from a dealer in Arizona, at the TEP venue of the Tucson Rock and Gem Show this year.