Chalcocite-Djurleite with Calcite

specimen number:
2341412

location:
Ait Ahmane, Zagora, Draa-Tafilalet, Morocco

description:
A superb example for the species, the prominent semi lustrous metallic gray platy crystal of the chalcocite and djurleite theories measuring 3.4 x 2.3 x 0.1 cm in size on a pinkish calcite matrix. Several smaller crystals are present as well. The piece sits by itself or display quite aesthetically. Some of the crystal edges at first appears to be damaged, I believe these to be natural crystallization. This has obviously been etched from the enclosing calcite. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Jan Erik Larsen.

Situated in the central Anti-Atlas mountains within the renowned Bou Azzer mining district, Ait Ahmane is a prominent mineral locality celebrated for its complex cobalt, nickel, and copper-bearing veins hosted within Precambrian serpentinized ophiolite sequences. Active artisanal and industrial mining operations targeting these deep hydrothermal structures have uncovered a rich variety of rare secondary species, making the area a favorite among advanced mineral collectors. Among its notable geological features is the occurrence of copper sulfide specimens representing the chalcocite-djurleite series. This series involves copper-deficient copper sulfides that frequently form intimate parallel intergrowths, pseudomorphs, and micro-structural replacements due to subtle shifts in temperature, fluid chemistry, and copper-to-sulfur ratios during supergene alteration.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.