Nepheline with Andradite

specimen number:
2354177

location:
Jebel Bou-Agrao, High Atlas Mts., Morocco

description:
Colorless blocky opaque crystals of terminated nepheline to 1.0 cm in size on a black andradite matrix. Good example for the species, in good condition.

Located in the High Atlas Mountains near Midelt, Morocco, Jebel Bou-Agrao is a classic mineral locality situated within a complex zone of Mesozoic Igneous intrusions and hydrothermal vein systems. The regional geology features alkaline igneous rocks, including nepheline syenites and carbonatite-like dike intrusions, which cut through older sedimentary host rocks. Mineral collecting and local specimen mining at Jebel Bou-Agrao expanded significantly during the late twentieth century as local miners opened small tunnels and hand-worked pits to extract high-quality display specimens. The locality is world-renowned among collectors for producing exceptional aesthetic specimens of glossy black zircon crystals, golden-brown zircon varieties, dark pyroxene group crystals, and lustrous titanite, often nestled in matrix cavities with feldspar or calcite. Today, field collecting remains driven largely by local independent miners who produce specimens for the international collector market.

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