Skutterudita
Skutterudita is a mineral with formula (Co,Fe,Ni)As₂-₃, in the Arseniuros group. This specimen comes from Distrito de Bou Azzer, Tazenakht, Ouarzazate, Drâa-Tafilalet, Marruecos.
Description
Compact aggregate of silver lenticular skutterudite crystals on the upper part.
About Skutterudita
Skutterudite is a cobalt nickel arsenide. When exposed to oxygen, it transforms into erythrite through weathering. It serves as an ore of nickel to leverage its anti-corrosion properties as a coating, and also as an ore of cobalt, which is used in alloys for magnets and high-quality steel. Cobalt is also used as a blue pigment in glass and ceramics. Due to the toxicity of its arsenic, ground skutterudite has traditionally been used as rat poison and in pest control.
About the locality
Bou Azzer is a classic Anti-Atlas locality for Co-Ni arsenides.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0673
- Composition
- (Co,Fe,Ni)As₂-₃
- Name
- Skutterudita
- Group
- Arseniuros
- Associations
- calcita
- Mine
- Distrito de Bou Azzer
- District / Municipality
- Tazenakht
- Province
- Ouarzazate
- Region
- Drâa-Tafilalet
- Country
- Marruecos
- Size (cm)
- 5.5 x 3.5 x 2
- Weight
- 142.2 g
- Etymology
- Named after Skutterud in Norway, the classic locality from which the mineral takes its name.
- Quality
- Buena
- Value trend
- Estable
Related specimens
- Goethita (Botroidal) — Marruecos
- Malaquita (Fibrosa) — Marruecos
- Vanadinita — Marruecos
- Eritrina (Punta de lanza) — Marruecos
- Eritrina (Acicular) — Marruecos
- Pirolusita (Pseudomorfa parcial tras manganita) — Marruecos
- Malaquita (Pseudomorfa tras Azurita) — Marruecos
- Vanadinita — Marruecos