2.9" Pyrite & Chalcopyrite Encrusted Bladed Barite - Morocco

This beautiful specimen is primarily made up of bladed barite crystals that are encrusted in an aggregation of pyrite and chalcopyrite crystals. This crystal cluster was collected from the Bou Nahas Mine (Bou N'hass Mine) in the Oumjrane area of Morocco.

Comes with an acrylic display stand to assist with presentation.

About Barite (Baryte)

Barite is a barium sulfate mineral (BaSO₄) known for its high specific gravity, which makes it unusually heavy for a non-metallic mineral. Typically forming in tabular or bladed crystals, barite can also appear in massive, fibrous, or nodular habits. Its colors range from colorless and white to shades of blue, yellow, gray, or brown, often influenced by trace impurities. Barite commonly forms in hydrothermal veins, sedimentary rocks, and as a gangue mineral in lead-zinc ore deposits. It is widely used in industrial applications, especially as a weighting agent in drilling muds for oil and gas exploration. Its striking crystal formations and vivid hues also make it a popular mineral for collectors.

About Pyrite

The mineral pyrite, also known as iron pyrite, is commonly referred to as Fool's Gold because its metallic luster and pale brass-yellow hue give it a superficial resemblance to gold. In the old mining days, pyrite was sometimes mistaken for gold.

It is the most common of the sulfide minerals with the chemical formula FeS2. Pyrite crystals occur in many shapes and habits, including cubes of all sizes, penetration twin cubes, pyritohedral clusters and as small druzy crystals that can exhibit a beautiful glistening effect.

Chalcopyrite is a brass-yellow colored mineral and an important copper ore. When weathered, chalcopyrite loses its metallic luster, turning a gray-green color. When exposed to acids, the tarnish can develop a red, blue, or purple iridescence: this acid-treated material is often sold under the name peacock ore.

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DETAILS
SPECIES
Barite, Pyrite & Chalcopyrite
LOCATION
Bou Nahas Mine, Oumjrane area, Morocco
SIZE
2.9 x 2.9"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#107926