Barite with Calcite

specimen number:
2341078

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

description:
A beautiful specimen from this prolific locality with light blue lustrous translucent crystals of bladed barite and groupings to 3.3 cm in size across the top of a limonite matrix that is mostly covered on top with small lustrous colorless crystals of calcite. Aesthetic and in super condition. From 2014, 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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