Skutterudite

specimen number:
2341157

location:
Bou Azzer, Draa-Tafilalet, Morocco

description:
The top side of this matrix is covered with really in bright lustrous metallic silver sharp crystals of skutterudite to 1.5 cm in size. This is in great condition and a choice example for the species. Displays nicely on its own. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Jan Erik Larsen.

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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