Erythrite with Sphaerocobaltite, Quartz

specimen number:
2341025

location:
Agoudal Mines, Tansifte Caidat, Agdz Cercle, Zagora, Draa-Tafilalet, Morocco

description:
Gorgeous spray of lustrous magenta erythrite crystals, the largest measuring to 2.2 cm in length, these set on matrix with crystallized pink sphaerocobaltite and quartz. The spray measures almost 2.0 cm across. This is in great condition. Very choice for the species. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Jan Erik Larsen.

The Agoudal Mine, located within the Tansifte Caidat, Agdz Cercle, Zagora Province of the Draa-Tafilalet region in Morocco, sits inside the famous Bou Azzer mining district, a unique Precambrian inlier characterized by serpentinites and complex hydrothermal vein systems rich in cobalt, nickel, and arsenic. Mining and prospecting in this arid region span decades, initially driven by industrial metal extraction, but the locality has since achieved global renown among mineral collectors for yielding world-class specimen material. Within the oxidized zones of these ore bodies, weathering transforms primary metal assemblages into striking secondary minerals, most notably erythrite. Commonly known as cobalt bloom, erythrite develops as vibrant crimson to deep pink crystalline crusts, radial rosettes, and prismatic tufts that contrast sharply against dark rock matrices, making specimens from Agoudal highly prized by museum curators and private collectors alike.

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