Sphalerite

Sphalerite

Natural copper is relatively soft and often found in intricate and unique structures

but most specimens have vivid color due to various impurities and are often fluorescent

These pieces of cuboidal fluorite crystals in varying shades of dark green occur on a high contrast white-gray matrix

many of which feature coatings of fine

From the Upper Ordovician Period - Ashgill Stage - Ktaoua Formation

it is not uncommon for insects and other small animals to become trapped within tree sap

with nodules and delicate filigree-like branches

Amethyst is a form of Quartz which gets its beautiful purple tint from the substitution of silicone for iron due to irradiation

and under optimal conditions these insects will be clearly visible within the fossilized amber pieces

The unique combination of smoky

A vivid and richly colored copper-based mineral

Kataoua formation