Barite with Quartz (2209)

specimen number:
8811588

location:
Bou Nahas Mine, Oumjrane, Draa-Tafilalet, Morocco

description:

Attractive gemmy lustrous diamond-shaped crystals of barite in a cluster with crystallized quartz. This is in terrific condition all around.

The Bou Nahas Mine, located within the Oumjrane mining district of the Draa-Tafilalet region in southeastern Morocco, is part of a remote Saharan desert area with ancient roots. Geologically, the region is situated in the eastern Anti-Atlas mountains and is characterized by Upper Ordovician detrital sedimentary rocks, including marls, shales, sandstones, and conglomerates. These formations are cut by steeply dipping, post-Variscan polymetallic hydrothermal vein systems associated with late Triassic tectonic and magmatic activity, which later underwent extensive supergene oxidation and weathering. Historically, copper extraction in the district dates back to the Middle Ages or earlier, followed by intermittent industrial exploitation during the French colonial period up until the mid-1970s, when operations were abandoned. The mines experienced a major resurgence starting around 2011 when commercial operations resumed, transforming the district into a globally celebrated locality for fine mineral collector specimens, particularly sharp, highly lustrous barite crystals and rich secondary copper assemblages.

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