{"product_id":"calcite-on-skutterudite-specimen-bou-azzer-morocco","title":"Calcite on Skutterudite - Specimen","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLocality\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: Bou Azzer District, Ouarzazate Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region, Morocco\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSkutterudite is a cobalt arsenide, CoAs\u003csub\u003e3\u003c\/sub\u003e, with some nickel and iron often taking the place of cobalt. It was named in 1845 for its type locality, the Skuterud mines at Modum in Norway. It is tin-white to silver-grey with a metallic lustre, often tarnishing grey or iridescent, and is heavy, with a density of about 6.5. Its crystals are cubic, growing as cubes, octahedra or dodecahedra.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAccording to the mining company Managem, the deposit was found after the French industrialist Jean Epinat saw arsenate minerals for sale in Marrakech's Jemaa el-Fna square in 1928. Local people used cobalt arsenate minerals against insects and rats. Artisanal mining began in 1932 and industrial mining in 1934, and Bou Azzer remains a cobalt mine today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe Bou Azzer district lies in Morocco's central Anti-Atlas, about 120 km southwest of Ouarzazate. Its cobalt, nickel and iron arsenide ores occur in a body of serpentinised Neoproterozoic ophiolite, a slice of ancient ocean floor, mostly along contacts between the serpentinite and harder rocks such as diorite. Geologists still debate when and how the ores formed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis one of a kind Skutterudite mineral specimen from Morocco features a long, low-profile matrix coated with bright metallic silver-gray Skutterudite and scattered white calcite crystal growths. The display face has excellent contrast, with mirror-like Skutterudite crystals and granular metallic surfaces surrounding clusters of milky white to translucent prismatic calcite crystals. The specimen has a rugged, natural form, with sparkling pockets across the top and darker gray-black matrix visible along the sides and underside, giving it a strong collector-quality presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSkutterudite is a cobalt arsenide mineral named after Skutterud, Norway, one of its classic historical localities. It commonly forms in hydrothermal vein deposits with Calcite, Quartz, and other metallic minerals. Moroccan Skutterudite is most often associated with the Bou Azzer District, a famous cobalt mining region known for producing exceptional metallic arsenide specimens, including Skutterudite, cobaltite, safflorite, and other rare cobalt minerals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpiritually, Skutterudite is often associated with grounding, energetic protection, focus, and resilience. Its dense metallic appearance gives it a strong stabilizing feel, whilst Calcite is commonly linked with clarity and steady personal growth. Together, these minerals are sometimes viewed as a combination for practical thinking, stability, and staying centred during demanding situations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChemical Composition\u003c\/b\u003e: Calcite: CaCO3, Skutterudite: CoAs3\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSkutterudite is a cobalt arsenide (CoAs\u003csub\u003e3\u003c\/sub\u003e) and contains arsenic. Handle with care, wash your hands after handling, do not lick or ingest, and keep away from children and pets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuantity\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e1pc\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eWith this product, you will get the actual stone in the photograph.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Morocco","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48350416502954,"sku":null,"price":2000.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0601\/7158\/3658\/files\/Skutterudite-morroco-2000.jpg?v=1779825476","url":"https:\/\/rubblerockandgem.com\/hi\/products\/calcite-on-skutterudite-specimen-bou-azzer-morocco","provider":"Rubble Rock And Gem","version":"1.0","type":"link"}