Hematite

specimen number:
2341229

location:
Nador Pachalik, Nador, Oriental, Morocco

description:

Superb matrix example for this classic Moroccan material, a brilliant lustrous grouping of double terminated metallic mirror bright hematite crystals measuring 4.0 x 1.8 x 0.4 cm in size is perched perfectly up on matrix. The crystals are very aesthetically arranged, this is in great condition. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Jan Erik Larsen.

Situated in the Nador Province of northeastern Oriental, Morocco, Nador Pachalik features a complex geological setting characterized by Neogene volcanism and hydrothermal activity associated with the Rif mountain belt. Iron ore deposits, primarily in the nearby Ouichane mining area within the Beni Bou Ifrour district, formed through hydrothermal replacement and skarn-related mineralization of carbonate and volcanic host rocks. Large-scale industrial iron mining began in the early twentieth century under Spanish protectorate rule and continued for decades, making Nador a major iron-producing hub. Today, while commercial mining operations have waned, local miners and specimen collectors recover highly prized hematite specimens, noted for their bright metallic luster, specular rosette clusters, and sharp specularite or micaceous crystal formations.

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