Stilbite with Epidote

specimen number:
2062732

location:
Diakon, Bafoulabe Cercle, Kayes, Mali

description:
Two different and separate clusters of lustrous stilbite crystals measuring to 3.2 cm in diameter are set aesthetically up on a matrix that is covered by semi lustrous prismatic deep green terminated crystals of epidote. The epidote crystals measure to 1.5 cm in height. This is in good condition. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Ray DeMark.

The geology of the Diakon area within the Bafoulabe Cercle of the Kayes Region in Mali is characterized by ancient basement rocks of the West African craton, featuring localized metamorphic and hydrothermal alteration zones where reactive host rocks interact with mineralizing fluids. While the region has a long-standing artisanal and industrial mining history primarily focused on gold, recent decades have also seen small-scale local extraction of fine mineral specimens. These exceptional specimens, including well-formed crystals of epidote, garnets, and stilbite, develop within localized skarn and hydrothermal vein environments where heat and fluid circulation alter the surrounding rock to form rich assemblages of silicate minerals.

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