2.3" Barite Blades, Pyrite, Galena And Crystal Quartz Minerals Bou Nahas Mine Morocco
Location: Bou Nahas Mine, Oumjrane Area, Morocco
Weight: 4.4 Ounces
Dimension: 2.3 Inches Long, 2.2 Inches Wide, 1.6 Inches Thick
The Item Pictured is the one you will receive.
Barite blades, pyrite, and crystal quartz minerals can be found in the Bou Nahas Mine in Morocco. The Bou Nahas Mine is located in the Oumjrane area of the Alnif region in southeastern Morocco. It is known for its rich deposits of various minerals, including barite, pyrite, and crystal quartz.
Barite (BaSO₄) is a mineral composed of barium sulfate, most often appearing as colorless or white crystals but also found in beautiful shades of blue, green, yellow, or red. A particularly striking form is Barite blades—tabular or platy crystals that occur in places like the Bou Nahas Mine, ranging in size from tiny millimeters to several centimeters long.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal for collectors, Barite plays an important role in industry. It is widely used in oil and gas drilling as a weighting agent in drilling mud, in paints and coatings as a pigment extender, and in medical applications for X-ray imaging due to its high density.
Pyrite, commonly known as “fool’s gold”, is a widespread iron sulfide mineral recognized for its bright metallic luster and golden hue. While it most often forms in distinctive cubic crystals, it can also occur as grains, nodules, or massive aggregates. Pyrite is frequently found in association with minerals such as quartz and barite, and in locations like the Bou Nahas Mine, it appears in both small crystal clusters and larger aggregates.
Historically, Pyrite has been valued as a source of sulfur and admired as a decorative stone. Today, it remains a favorite among mineral collectors for its striking appearance and varied crystal habits.
Crystal quartz, also known as rock crystal or clear quartz, is a colorless variety of quartz. It is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth and can be found in many different environments. Crystal quartz forms hexagonal prismatic crystals with pointed terminations. In the Bou Nahas Mine, crystal quartz can be found as individual crystals or clusters embedded within other minerals such as barite and pyrite.
