Vanadinite on black botryoidal manganese oxides

Vanadinite on black botryoidal manganese oxidesLocale: Taouz, Dra Tafilalet Region, Morocco Approx size: 3 x 1. 75 x 1. 75" Approx weight: 204g STAINING WARNING: the black matrix is a bit soft, specimens may stain surfaces or leave residue when handled. Taouz is a region of Morocco that produces vanadinite crystals that are typically more orange in color compared to the vibrant red specimens of the famed Mibladen region to the north. This specimen has saturated orange to orange red hexagonal

Locale: Taouz, Drâa-Tafilalet Region, Morocco

Approx size: 3 x 1.75 x 1.75"

Approx weight: 204g

STAINING WARNING: the black matrix is a bit soft, specimens may stain surfaces or leave residue when handled.

Taouz is a region of Morocco that produces vanadinite crystals that are typically more orange in color compared to the vibrant red specimens of the famed Mibladen region to the north. This specimen has saturated orange to orange-red hexagonal tablet crystals liberally covering a dusty black botryoidal matrix. Shiny darker black spires with botryoidal surfaces  surround the edges, making this a dramatic Halloween mineral specimen.

I was told that the black matrix is goethite, a relatively common iron oxide mineral, but I suspect it is actually a mixture of several similar-appearing minerals in the iron and manganese oxide families (including goethite, coronadite, and pyrolusite). This one is especially complex and appears to involve three different minerals, but it would take more advanced analysis to confirm the true content.

'Oxide' means that the metallic element of the mineral's chemical compound has oxidized like rust as the mineral eroded over geologic time. This transforms the rock into a new material that is commonly a warm tone of red, orange, yellow, brown, or black.

The near-black botryoidal mass is an aggregate of spheres with radial structure inside. Broken edges expose some layers to be composed of silvery needles radiating out. Some surface layers are quite soft; handling the mineral will leave black smudges on your skin and surfaces.