A novelty in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines (2017). Matrix formed by sulphides, arsenites and arsenates of Co like erythrite, with some crystals, accompanied by several wire to laminar gold aggregates. SEM analysis shows that it is a rich silver gold, variety electrum, unusual. Silver content is similar in all specimens we have analyzed and varies between 20-24% weight.
Under loupe, we can enjoy that some of these gold aggregates are formed by small crystals of octahedral to cubic forms. We can theorize a secondary genesis for this gold-electrum. We have analyzed the matrix of these specimens observing that the bright metallic matrix corresponds to a mixture of cobalt arsenides, probably skutterudite, and other sulphides. We will send all analyzes to the buyer. The gold and electrum in Bou Azer was already described, but the quality of these specimens we offer surpasses what was known.

Size: 6.0 x 4.7 x 2.4 cm.
Found in 2017

Analyzed specimen with report

A novelty in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines (2017). Matrix formed by sulphides, arsenites and arsenates of Co like erythrite, with some crystals, accompanied by several wire to laminar gold aggregates. SEM analysis shows that it is a rich silver gold, variety electrum, unusual. Silver content is similar in all specimens we have analyzed and varies between 20-24% weight.
Under loupe, we can enjoy that some of these gold aggregates are formed by small crystals of octahedral to cubic forms. We can theorize a secondary genesis for this gold-electrum. We have analyzed the matrix of these specimens observing that the bright metallic matrix corresponds to a mixture of cobalt arsenides, probably skutterudite, and other sulphides. We will send all analyzes to the buyer. The gold and electrum in Bou Azer was already described, but the quality of these specimens we offer surpasses what was known. A very nice miniature with several wire and laminar electrum.

Size: 4.0 x 3.3 x 2.6 cm.
Found in 2017

Analyzed specimen with report

A novelty in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines (2017). These specimens show a matrix formed by associated sulphides and arsenates of cobalt and iron. We can observe on both the presence of arborescent, filiform and laminar gold aggregates. SEM analysis has shown that this is a variety of gold rich in silver (20-24%weight): electrum. Under the loupe we can enjoy that some of these aggregates are formed by small crystals of octahedral to cubic shape of the precious metal. We can think a secondary genesis for this gold electrum. We have analyzed these specimens observing that the brilliant metallic matrix corresponds to skutterudite and other sulphides-arsenides. We will send all analysis to the buyer. The gold and electrum in Bou Azer was already described, but the quality of these specimens we offer surpasses what was known. A very rich gold specimen, with good size and aesthetic.

Size: 6.5 x 4.5 x 3.6 cm.
Main crystal: 18 mm.
Found in 2017

Analyzed specimen with report

Rich group of so called arsenatian vanadinite showing defined edges and curved faces, barrel-shaped and many of them doubly terminated, with the characteristic color of this variety. These samples appeared on the market in the late 1970s as pyromorphite, until they were correctly determined by XRD and SEM-EDS analysis. This specimen has been analyzed, just for info, showing As 3.3%weight and 9% in V. Old specimen, nowadays rare to find.

Size: 9.2 x 6.5 x 5.2 cm.
Main crystal: 9 x 6 mm.
Found in 1980's

A novelty in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines (2017). These specimens show a matrix formed by arsenates such as erythrite and associated sulphides and arsenates of cobalt and iron. We can observe on both the presence of arborescent, filiform and laminar gold aggregates. SEM analysis has shown that this is a variety of gold rich in silver (20-24%w): electrum.
Under the loupe we can enjoy that some of these aggregates are formed by small crystals of octahedral to cubic shape of the precious metal. We can think a secondary genesis for this gold electrum. We have analyzed these specimens observing that the brilliant metallic matrix corresponds to skutterudite and other sulphides. We will send all analysis to the buyer. The gold electrum in Bou Azer was already described, but the quality of these specimens we offer surpasses what was known. A very rich gold specimen, with good size and aesthetic.

Size: 11.5 x 7.8 x 6.5 cm.
Main crystal: 12 mm
Found in 2017

A novelty in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines (2017). These specimens show a matrix formed by arsenates such as erythrite and associated sulphides and arsenates of cobalt and iron. We can observe on both the presence of arborescent, filiform and laminar gold aggregates. SEM analysis has shown that this is a variety of gold rich in silver (23-24%w): electrum.
Under loupe, we can enjoy that some of these gold aggregates are formed by small crystals of octahedral to cubic forms. We can theorize a secondary genesis for this gold-electrum. We have analyzed the matrix of these specimens observing that the bright metallic matrix corresponds to a mixture of cobalt arsenides, probably skutterudite, and other sulphides. We will send all analyzes to the buyer. The gold and electrum in Bou Azer was already described, but the quality of these specimens we offer surpasses what was known. A very rich gold-electrum specimen, with good size and aesthetic.

Size: 7.5 x 6.0 x 4.0 cm.
Main crystal: 10 mm.
Found in 2017

A floater nodule with blackish and whitish spheroidal forms with some visible crystalline faces. They're a silicified fossil sponge which have preserved the original morphology of the biological specimens.

Size: 6.2 x 5.0 x 3.0 cm.
Found in 2016

A floater nodule with blackish and whitish spheroidal forms with some visible crystalline faces. They're a silicified fossil sponge which have preserved the original morphology of the biological specimens.

Size: 6.7 x 3.6 x 3.0 cm.
Found in 2016

A floater nodule with blackish and whitish spheroidal forms with some visible crystalline faces. They're a silicified fossil sponge which have preserved the original morphology of the biological specimens.

Size: 4.4 x 3.2 x 3.0 cm.
Found in 2016

Superb and brilliant specimen formed by botryoidal aggregates of malachite, of intense green color, and covered by small hyaline quartz crystals. Quartz gives it this aesthetic brilliance. Matrix is formed by a stockwork of altered chalcopyrite. Malachite specimens from this locality and with this shape are unusual.

Size: 8.7 x 5.5 x 5.0 cm.
Found in 2016.

Group of barite crystals with parallel growth, between transparent and translucent, with brilliant, honey to yellowish tone and with defined tabular shape. An aesthetic specimen with a minor marcasite matrix.

Size: 4.8 x 4.3 x 3.7 cm.
Main crystal: 3.7 x 2.8 cm.
Found in 2013.

Two generations of vanadinite crystals. A good-sized brilliant crystals, with echeloned growths and defined faces and edges. With good color yellow and peppered by deep black coronadite globular aggregates and covering the matrix. Another generation shows small crystals (<1 mm) but with a nice luster, transparence, and yellowish tone. Both are on goethite with mottramite crystals.

Size: 8.5 x 7.7 x 4.6 cm.
Found in 2012

In this good size specimen we can observe a group of tabular wulfenite crystals showing well defined faces and parallel growths. They are interpenetrated between them and accompanied by small but perfect tabular wulfenite crystals on matrix. The brilliance is excellent and in thin parts they show transparence. They are very aerial disposed on a matrix of baryte crystals, with cerussite and dolomite.

Size: 9.8 x 7.8 x 4.5 cm.
Main crystal: 17 x 15 mm.
Found in 12/2012.

Very aesthetic calcite specimen showing groups of scalenohedral sharp crystals, with transparence that allow to see reddish geometric inclusions. On a matrix with chalcopyrite and marcassite. Ver unusual for the locality.

Size: 7.5 x 4.7 x 3.5 cm.
Main crystal: 20 x 10 mm.
Found in 2016

Very brilliant group of interpenetrated cube-octahedral skutterudite crystals, with very well defined faces and edges. They are included in a matrix with pinkish dolomite, NOT acidified. Very aesthetic and sized.

Size: 5.5 x 5.0 x 3.5 cm.
Main crystal: 14 x 14 mm.
Found in 2015.

Very aesthetic group of tabular baryte crystals, with a delicate blue color, brilliant and transparent. Damage free, with some goethite inclusions. Very aerial disposed on the matrix.

Size: 5.0 x 4.5 x 3.5 cm.
Main crystal: 40 x 30 mm aggr.

Very aesthetic group of tabular baryte crystals, with a delicate blue color, brilliant and transparent. Damage free. Very aerial disposed on the matrix.

Size: 6.0 x 4.5 x 3.6 cm.
Main crystal: 28 x 20 mm. aggr.

Group of sharp fluorapatite crystals of good size showing parallel growth, an elongated prism with vertical striations, and multiple terminal faces truncated by the pinacoid. Good brilliance, translucent and a very distinctive greenish yellow color. They present numerous inclusions of flattened prismatic deep black crystals, also vertically striated and opaque. SEM-EDS analyses indicate that they probably belongs to the hornblende group, most likely magnesio-ferri-hornblende. We will send analysis to the buyer. A very aesthetic and aerial shape specimen.

Size: 7.0 x 3.0 x 3.0 cm.
Found in 2016.

Group of sharp fluorapatite crystals of good size showing an elongated prism with vertical striations, and multiple terminal faces truncated by the pinacoid. Good brilliance, translucent and a very distinctive greenish yellow color. They present numerous inclusions of flattened prismatic deep black crystals, also vertically striated and opaque. SEM-EDS analyses indicate that they probably belongs to the hornblende group, most likely magnesio-ferri-hornblende. We will send analysis to the buyer. A very aesthetic and aerial shape specimen.

Size: 7.5 x 4.5 x 2.2 cm.
Main crystal: 13 x 13 mm.
Found in 2016.

Aesthetic anglesite specimen that shows a rich group of crystals with a razor-sharp chisel terminations, striated faces characteristic of the species, very sharp and with good transparency and colorless. This specimen date to the late 1970s and were found in the well known Moroccan mining area of Touissit.

 

Size: 7.5 x 6.0 x 3.7 cm.
Main crystal: 12 x 10 mm.
Found in ±1975.

Fluorescent under long wave UV

Very brilliant specimen formed by numerous polysynthetic growths of octahedral pyrite crystals. The golden color is superior and brilliance, as we said before, is really excellent. With white milky quartz. A fine piece from a not well represented locality.
These mines are located approximately 50 km south of Alnif, near the border with Algeria. This area was already mined in medieval age for the extraction of copper. In the 60s of the last century, French companies expanded shafts and mineral extraction.

Size: 6.8 x 5.2 x 4.5 cm.
Main crystal: 10 x 9 mm.
Found in 2013.

Pure brilliance, pure aesthetics. Group of tabular crystals of baryte showing curved shape with a slightly yellowish tone. Transparent to translucent, with zoned inclusions. It is accompanied by twinned and brilliant crystals of marcasite. A true delicacy.

Size: 6.0 x 5.2 x 3.0 cm.
Found in 2013.

Fine specimen that shows aggregates of tabular crystals of baryte, with a slight yellowish tone, transparent to translucent, brilliant and with defined faces and edges. Accompanied by several marcasite crystals showing various twins, such as "cockscomb", as aggregates or very aesthetic individual crystals. On a quartz matrix.
These mines are located approximately 50 km south of Alnif, near the border with Algeria. This area was already mined in medieval age for the extraction of copper. In the 60s of the last century, French companies expanded shafts and mineral extraction.

Size: 7.8 x 6.5 x 3.5 cm.
Found in 2013.

Very rich group of cubic-octahedral galena crystals, well defined faces and edges, partially covering the rocky matrix. They accompanied by aggregates of marcasite, some baryte, and brilliant chalcopyrite.
These mines are located approximately 50 km south of Alnif, near the border with Algeria. This area was already mined in medieval age for the extraction of copper. In the 60s of the last century, French companies expanded shafts and mineral extraction.

Size: 5.5 x 5.0 x 4.5 cm.
Main crystal: 10 x 10 mm. galena
Found in 2013.

Bright specimen that consists of parallel aggregates of tabular baryte crystals on which we can observe various groups of marcasite crystals, many isolated, twinned, flattened and with good brightness. Very representative for the species and with an interesting mineral balance.

Size: 5.8 x 5.5 x 3.5 cm.
Main crystal: 15 x 10 mm. marc.
Found in 2013.