Cuprite with Malachite

specimen number:
2341046

location:
Mibladen, Midelt, Draa-Tafilalet, Morocco

description:
A sharp large crystal of cuprite 1.3 cm across, this coated with acicular crystalline malachite, set on matrix. A small crystal of cerussite is present. Aesthetically arranged and in great condition. I think quite rare for the species and locality.

Mibladen, located in the high plateau region of the Middle Atlas Mountains in Morocco, is a world-famous historic mining district with operations that expanded significantly during the French protectorate in the early to mid-20th century for lead and barite. Geologically, the deposit is situated within secondary sedimentary carbonate formations, where mineralizing hydrothermal fluids interacted with limestone and dolostone host rocks to form rich oxidized zones. Mineralogically, the district is globally renowned for producing exceptional, highly aesthetic specimens of orange-red vanadinite crystals, often associated with pristine barite, cerussite, and wulfenite, making it one of the most celebrated mineral localities in Africa.

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