Sphalerite

specimen number:
2341362

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

description:
A large semi lustrous grouping of black twinned sphalerite crystals without matrix. Complete all around just slight micro-damage present on one crystal corner. I think overall this is in very good condition. Neat example for the species, the twinning is very sharp and evident. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Jan Erik Larsen.

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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