Specifications
Descrizione
Locality: Bou Azzer District, Ouarzazate Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region, Morocco
The 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.
Skutterudite is a cobalt arsenide, CoAs3, 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.
According 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.
This one of a kind Skutterudite mineral specimen from Morocco features a broad, rugged metallic surface covered in bright silver-gray crystal aggregates. The display face shows a dense coating of reflective Skutterudite crystals, with sharp modified cubic forms and sparkling granular pockets across the darker matrix. Small white to translucent prismatic crystals appear throughout the cavities, adding strong contrast against the heavy steel-gray and black metallic areas, while subtle golden-brassy flashes give the specimen extra visual depth.
Skutterudite is a cobalt arsenide mineral named after Skutterud, Norway, one of its classic early localities. It is commonly found in hydrothermal vein deposits associated with cobalt, nickel, arsenic, and silver-bearing minerals. Moroccan Skutterudite is most famously associated with the Bou Azzer District, a world-renowned cobalt mining region known for producing exceptional metallic arsenide minerals and striking collector specimens.
Spiritually, Skutterudite is often associated with grounding, energetic protection, resilience, and focus. Its dense metallic appearance gives it a strong, stabilizing presence, making it a mineral many collectors connect with discipline, strength, and practical energy. It is sometimes viewed as a stone for staying centered, pushing through difficult work, and maintaining a steady sense of direction.
Chemical Composition: CoAs3
Skutterudite is a cobalt arsenide (CoAs3) and contains arsenic. Handle with care, wash your hands after handling, do not lick or ingest, and keep away from children and pets.
Quantity: 1pc
With this product, you will get the actual stone in the photograph.