5.2" Marcasite, Tabular Barite and Quartz Association - Morocco
This specimen contains an association marcasite, quartz and tabular yellow barite. The marcasite has a beautiful luster to it, as well as a wonderful clustered crystal structure. Very small amounts of chalcopyrite and pyrite can be found peppered throughout this specimen. The chalcopyrite can be noted by its brassy yellow coloration and spots of green copper oxidation.
Barite, commonly spelled baryte, is well-known for its great range of colors and varied crystal forms and habits. It is a heavy mineral consisting of barium sulfate, and typically has the chemical formula of BaSO4. The barite group consists of baryte, celestine, anglesite and anhydrite. It's generally white to colorless and is the main source of barium.
Silicon Dioxide, also know as SiO2 or Quartz, is the second most abundant mineral in the Earth's crust. Quartz crystals generally grow in silica-rich, hot watery solutions called hydrothermal environments, at temperatures between 100°C and 450°C, and usually under very high pressure. Quartz veins are formed when open fissures are filled with hot water during the closing stages of mountains forming, and can be hundreds of millions of years old.
Chalcopyrite is a brass-yellow colored mineral which is one of the most important ores of copper. When weathered chalcopyrite loses it's metallic luster, turning a gray-green color. When acids are present the tarnish can develop a red to blue to purple iridescence.
SPECIES
Marcasite, Quartz & Barite
LOCATION
Bou Nahas Mine, Oumjrane area, Morocco
SIZE
5.2 x 4.1"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#117509
