Silver on acanthite – Imiter Mine, Jebel Saghro, Draa-Tafilalet, Anti-Atlas, Morocco

This wonderfully constructed acanthite specimen shows very clearly how this silver sulfide mineral got its name. Due to its striking crystal shape, Gustav Adolf Kenngott (1818–1897) named the mineral in 1855 after the ancient Greek ἄκανθα ákantha for thorn or spike. In the middle of these spear-shaped towers you can find solid, curly silver.
 Rare collector's item from the famous find of 2004.