Coud'a workings

Mindat.org

Mibladen, Aït Oufella Caïdat, Midelt Cercle, Midelt Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region, Morocco

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Key Information

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  • Coud'a workings, located in Mibladen, Morocco, is a renowned site for vanadinite crystals, with other minerals like baryte and cerussite also found.

  • It lies in the Atlas Mountains, near Midelt city, with a history of mining dating back to the early 20th century.

  • The geological structure involves Jurassic limestones and dolomites, forming lead-zinc deposits where vanadinite develops.

  • Mining continues today, with significant vanadinite discoveries in 2001, and the area has a Berber cultural influence.

  • The climate is cold desert, with hot summers and cold winters, potentially aiding mineral preservation.

Location and Minerals

Coud'a workings are about 8.4 km from Midelt, a city in central Morocco with around 45,000 residents, nestled in the Atlas Mountains. This site is famous for its vanadinite, known for vibrant red to orange crystals, alongside other minerals like baryte, cerussite, galena, gypsum, manganese oxides, mottramite, and wulfenite. These minerals make it a hotspot for collectors seeking unique specimens.

Geological and Mining History

The area's geology features Jurassic limestones and dolomites, hosting lead-zinc deposits where vanadinite forms through oxidation. Mining began in the early 20th century, with French companies active from 1926 to 1949. Local miners later continued, and a major vanadinite find in 2001 keeps the site active today, attracting enthusiasts worldwide.

Culture and Climate

Mibladen, part of this region, likely reflects Berber culture, with traditions centered around mining. The cold desert climate, with hot, dry summers and cold winters, may help preserve the minerals by reducing weathering, enhancing their appeal to collectors.

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