Barite

specimen number:
2341135

location:
Mefis Mine, Merzouga, Taouz Caidat, Er-Rissani Cercle, Errachidia, Draa-Tafilalet, Morocco

description:
Fine example for this well-known Moroccan locality, glassy gem quality colorless crystals of barite to 3.5 cm in size are covering the top of matrix. This is in very good condition. Iron oxides are present to give the overall look a slightly orange color. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Jan Erik Larsen. This was acquired in 2012.

Located in the desert terrain near Merzouga within Draa-Tafilalet, Morocco, the Mefis Mine (also spelled M'fis) is a polymetallic hydrothermal vein deposit situated within Palaeozoic sedimentary strata. The local geology hosts a series of mineralized veins rich in lead, copper, nickel, and iron minerals. During the twentieth century French protectorate era, the site was intensively exploited as a underground mining camp primarily for galena, which provided lead ore as well as kohl for traditional cosmetic pigment, along with quartz and barite. Following its abandonment by French forces around 1956, Mefis transitioned into a desert ghost town. Today, it serves as a destination for field geologists, mineral collectors, and tourists who explore its remaining surface pits and tailing piles to collect mineral specimens such as barite, wulfenite, nickeline, galena, and quartz crystals.

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