Barite with Calcite

specimen number:
2341037

location:
Ouichane Mines, Jebel Ouichane, Guelaia Cercle, Nador, Oriental, Morocco

description:
Attractive example from this famous Moroccan locality. Aesthetically arranged groupings of lustrous blue translucent bladed barite crystals measuring to 2.0 cm in length scattered across the top of a limonite matrix that is covered on the top with crystallized calcite. This sits perfectly by itself or display, in very good condition. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Jan Erik Larsen.

The Ouichane Mines at Jebel Ouichane in northeastern Morocco are situated within a complex iron-skarn geological system formed by intrusive activity interacting with carbonate host rocks. Originally developed commercially for iron ore extraction starting in the early 20th century, the district later gained international renown among mineral collectors for producing exceptional blue barite specimens. These striking blue, bladed barite crystals grew within open cavities, vugs, and fractured zones inside the heavily oxidized iron and gossan matrix, representing a late-stage hydrothermal mineralizing pulse that transformed a historic industrial iron mining region into a world-class source for fine mineral display pieces.

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