Barite with Calcite

specimen number:
2341163

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

description:
Beautiful aesthetic grouping with lustrous blue almost transparent bladed crystals of barite measuring to 6.0 cm in size coming off of a brecciated matrix that is partially coated with sparkling crystals of micro calcite. This is in really good condition, the piece is very aesthetic. 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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