Chalcocite-Djurleite with Malachite

specimen number:
2341339

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

description:
Excellent example for the species, very sharply formed semi lustrous metallic black crystals of the chalcocite and djurleite theories standing straight up from matrix and measuring to almost 2.0 cm in height. Some of these crystals appear to be twinned. In super condition, green malachite is present throughout. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Jan Erik Larsen and dates to 2016.

Ait Ahmane, situated in the eastern sector of the Bou Azzer-El Graara inlier within the Anti-Atlas belt of Morocco, is a renowned mining locality with operations dating back to the mid-20th century. Geologically, the area is characterized by a Neoproterozoic ophiolitic sequence where serpentinized ultramafic rocks and quartz diorites are heavily faulted and hydrothermally altered. Mineralogically, the district is famous for its complex vein systems that yield cobalt arsenides, native silver, and nickel minerals, alongside striking associated specimens of cobaltian calcite and various secondary phases that attract mineral collectors globally.

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