Skutterudite

specimen number:
2063826

location:
Bou Azzer, Draa-Tafilalet, Morocco

description:
Good thumbnail for the species, bright lustrous metallic sharp crystal of skutterudite 1.3 cm across a set on matrix with massive calcite and smaller skutterudite crystals. In good condition.

The Bou Azzer district in the Draa-Tafilalet region of Morocco has a modern mining history beginning with visual prospecting in 1929, followed by artisanal work in 1932 and formal industrial extraction initiated in 1934. The operation experienced temporary suspensions during World War II and closed down temporarily between 1983 and 1987 due to depleted reserves before resuming active production. Geologically, the deposit is world-renowned as a unique cobalt-arsenide hydrothermal vein system hosted within a Neoproterozoic ophiolite complex along the northern margin of the West African Craton, where serpentinites interact with complex fault zones to concentrate rare cobalt, nickel, and gold minerals.

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