Detailed information
Species
Erythrite, Skutterudite
Dimensions
55 x 34 x 30
mm
Locality
Bou Azzer, Tazenakht Ouarzazate Province Morocco
Condition
No recorded repairs
A rich miniature of beautifully crystallized Erythrite blades, forming intergrown lustrous fan-like to radial groups measuring to over 1 cm. The Erythrite, a hydrated cobalt arsenate, varies from light pink through to deep maroon-red and even as dark as blackberry purple, depending where sections of the crystals are exposed. This lovely specimen is from the Bou Azzer mining district in Tazenakht, in the Ouarzazate Province of Morocco where the world's best Erythrite specimens came from twenty or more years ago. Back then, the choice of specimens was remarkable, but even more remarkable is how they all seem to have disappeared. Minor metallic grey Skutterudite, a primary cobalt arsenide that within the orebodies provides the source of elements for Erythrite to form, is also present on this specimen, adding to the interest. The Erythrite crystals are in superb condition with little obvious damage and great shape, and cover the specimen in 360 degrees. A superb Erythrite.