SOLD
RARE08-13
Skutterudite
Bou-Azzer, Bou-Azzer Dist., Morocco
Small Cabinet, 6.5 x 6.3 x 4.2 cm
SOLD
This is an absolutely spectacular DISPLAY-QUALITY specimen of skutterudite. The crystals are aesthetically perched high on the matrix and consist of splendent, silver colored, complex forms to 2.0 cm in length. Skutterudite is a somewhat rare, cobalt arsenide. While larger crystals have been found, the color and luster of these cannot be improved upon and this is aesthetically one of the best I have seen form a locality that often produces clunky larger crystals in clunkier, hefty matrix. To have an arborescent cluster on display like this is really phenomenal. It is repaired, and stabilized further with glue in the back to stop the matrix from crumbling (it has some cracks running through it - but they don't visually distract as you can see), hence a lower price for the piece than you might think on first inspection visually. There are even a few milky white quartz crystals, to 1.0 cm in length, emplaced on the matrix for extra effect.