Titanite after Ilmenite with Rutile, Albite

specimen number:
2341338

location:
Tasrafet, Imilchil, Midelt, Draa-Tafilalet, Morocco

description:
Standing up nicely from matrix are to flattened crystal groupings of what were once ilmenite, the largest 3.2 x 2.1 x 0.3 cm in size, these now replaced by yellowish green sparkling micro crystals of titanite. Sparkling needlelike crystals of rutile are scattered richly throughout the crystal faces. These are coming off of an albite crystal matrix. In excellent condition. From 2016, the specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Jan Erik Larsen.

Situated within the rugged High Atlas mountain terrain of the Draa Tafilalet region in Morocco, the Imilchil and Midelt areas, including localities like Tasrafet, feature complex geological settings characterized by hydrothermal veins and alpine fissures cutting through older rocks. Local artisanal miners and prospectors have actively extracted exceptional mineral specimens from open cavities formed by these fluid systems. Among the most fascinating discoveries from this region are remarkable pseudomorphs, where original crystals of ilmenite have undergone alteration to form spectacular replacements featuring sharply formed, lustrous green titanite crystals.

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