Barite

specimen number:
2341201

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

description:

Fine cluster of colorless lustrous translucent tabular barite crystals, to double terminated and in an aesthetic arrangement. No matrix present. Complete all around and in good condition. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Jan Erik Larsen and dates to 2012.

Located in the Draa-Tafilalet region of southeastern Morocco, near Merzouga, the Mefis Mine sits in a geologically rich Paleozoic sedimentary basin known for hydrothermal vein mineralization. Historically mined starting in the mid-twentieth century for lead and iron, the locality became well known among mineral collectors as artisanal miners increasingly extracted high-quality barite specimens from the fault zones. The site produces distinctive tabular and crested bladed crystals of barite, often forming striking rose-like aggregates or color-zoned clusters in shades ranging from crisp white and yellow to deep honey-brown.

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