Search the Community

A series of links to my various locations visited February 2019 1. Ifrane http://www.thefossilforum.com/index.php?/topic/93193-ifrane-middle-atlas-morocco/ne 2. Azrou http://www.thefossilforum.com/index.php?/topic/93256-azrou-middle-atlas-morocco/ 3. Midelt http://www.thefossilforum.com/index.php?/topic/93271-midelt-high-plains-morocco/ 4. Tizi N'Talghaumt http://www.thefossilforum.com/index.php?/topic/93325-tizi-ntalghaumt-pass-high-atlas-morocco/ 5 Merzouga .http://www.thefossilforum.com/index.php?/topic/93362-merzouga-sahara-morocco/ 6. Erfoud location http://www.thefossilforum.com/index.php?/topic/93407-black-sahara-erfoud-morocco/ 7. Erfoud shops http://www.thefossilforum.com/index.php?/topic/93823-fossil-shops-erfoud-morocco/ 8. Ait Ben Haddou http://www.thefossilforum.com/index.php?/topic/94222-ait-benhaddou-sub-sahara-morocco/ 9. Tizi n'Tichka http://www.thefossilforum.com/index.php?/topic/94803-tizi-ntichka-pass-high-atlas-morocco/ 10 Marrakech. I didn't get any photos of the fossils for sale in Marrakech. The Marrakech area doesn't produce any fossils itself, or at least not of any commercial value so all the fossils are brought in from elsewhere in the country. There are some beautiful specimens but also many composites and out and out fakes. Top Tip : Don't but any fossils in Marrakech unless you are very wealthy, can't resist a specimen whatever the price or aren't visiting anywhere else. Marrakech is the tourist capital of Morocco, home to the rich and famous and prices reflect this even after a good haggle, especially as the fossils aren't local so transportation costs and middle men are usually involved. Everywhere else is cheaper than Marrakech in my experience so i have never purchased a fossil there. But as I say, there are excellent pieces and some honest traders as well, so it's up to you, of course.

Day One ; Locality Three. Midelt 19th February 2019 The Berber nomads are hospitable, generous and very tough : The snow disappears soon after you get onto the High Plains between the Middle and High Atlas ranges. Here are the High Atlas looming in the distance : As one approaches the town of Midelt, the layered geology of what is mostly Dogger, the old name for the Middle Jurassic, still used here, becomes clear : Midelt is full of fossil shops, however most of the fossils, including a kazillion trilobites, actually come from elsewhere. Jurassic ammonites may be from here, and many of the small cut and polished ammonites are from around here, but Midelt is most famous for its minerals, vanadinite especially. Also lead ores, barite and flourite. Top Tip : Don't buy fossils in Midelt unless it's a cut and polished small ammonite you want. Minerals, yes, many are beautiful and very cheap. Hmm, this looks interesting................. "Stop the car!"