Quartz with Siderite

specimen number:
2341102

location:
Gourrama Caidat, Er-Rich Cercle, Midelt, Draa-Tafilalet, Morocco

description:
A large cluster of glassy gem quality colorless quartz crystals, this with minor rhombohedral dark brown crystals of siderite. In good condition. From 2010. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Jan Erik Larsen.

Gourrama is situated within the complex geological framework of the eastern High Atlas region in Morocco, characterized by extensive Paleozoic massifs, Mesozoic sedimentary cover, and complex tectonic structures formed during the Variscan and Atlasic orogenies. The area features a mix of sedimentary and metamorphic formations cut by various tectonic lineaments that host diverse base metal and industrial mineral occurrences. While the broader Midelt and High Atlas regions have a rich history of industrial and artisanal mining targeting major deposits of lead, zinc, copper, and barite—dating back through French Protectorate operations and earlier traditional extraction—Gourrama itself remains largely recognized for regional geological mapping, localized prospecting, and small-scale or artisanal mineral exploration rather than large-scale historic mining camps.

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