Minerals: Quartz with Goethite & Secondary Copper Minerals
Locality: M'Sissia, Drâa-Tafilalet Region, Morocco
Dimensions: 82mm x 72mm x 70mm
Weight: 276g

This is a major old stock specimen from M'Sissia, and the largest example we've handled from this historic locality. At 82mm across and 276g, it has far more presence in hand than the photographs suggest, with an enormous amount of detail packed across the surface.

The rust coloured patina is especially beautiful, with areas taking on an almost metallic quality where true copper mineralisation is present. Vibrant flashes of secondary copper minerals appear throughout, alongside deeper iron rich sections of goethite and warm orange to brown coatings across the quartz.

Because the specimen is so large, much of this detail is easy to miss at first glance. Close inspection reveals a very complex surface, with multiple generations of mineral growth, small pockets, secondary crystals and changing textures across almost every section.

One of the most interesting features is the intentionally cleaned window on the front of the quartz. The miner has removed the coating from this section to reveal just how transparent and beautiful the quartz is beneath the iron rich surface. It gives a fascinating glimpse into the crystal itself and adds another layer to the specimen.

The piece self stands naturally with the rougher, more heavily mineralised side facing forward, although it could also be based in another orientation to place greater emphasis on the copper rich sections.

For scale, complexity and presence, this is the strongest M'Sissia specimen we've seen in hand. It's substantial, historic and incredibly detailed, and plenty going on!