Mineral Specimens - page 11
Africa (excl. Morocco) - Tsumeb

NR56P8: Botryoidal and spherical growths of small acicular crystals of Shattuckite with a single Dioptase crystal that has an excellent color and luster and very well defined faces and edges.
Tantara Mine, Kakounde, Likasi, Shaba  Congo D.R.

Specimen size: 6 × 4.9 × 3.2 cm = 2.4” × 1.9” × 1.3”

Main crystal size: 0.7 × 0.5 cm = 0.3” × 0.2”

TP76P6: Esthetic arborescent growth of flattened translucent crystals with sharp slightly curved edges, absolutely free of damage and partially coated by very small white crystals, probably Dolomite.
Berg Aukas, Grootfontein  Namibia (±1970)

Specimen size: 5 × 4.2 × 3.6 cm = 2.0” × 1.7” × 1.4”

TD99P1: The crystals have the very neat forms of the dodecahedron; very unusual, as isolated forms, for Cuprite. They are bright and have reddish reflections, contrasting with the white matrix of Quartz.
Onganja, Seeis, Windhoek, Khomas  Namibia

Specimen size: 8.2 × 6.2 × 2.7 × cm = 3.2” × 2.4” × 1.1”

Main crystal size: 0.8 × 0.8 cm = 0.3” × 0.3”

TM63N2: A novelty of Tucson 2009. Flattened crystal of hexagonal profile on a matrix of pinkish Calcite. Very interesting is the fact that the crystals have some terminations. It has been analyzed and shown to be Phlogopite. We’ll send a copy of the analysis to the buyer of the sample.
Arandis, Swakopmund, Erongo Region  Namibia (2008)

Specimen size: 5.2 × 5.2 × 4.2 cm = 2.0” × 2.0” × 1.7”

Main crystal size: 4.6 × 3.8 cm = 1.8” × 1.5”

TX37L1: Group of well defined cubic Fluorite crystals, modified by octahedral triangular and dodecahedron rectangular faces. Transparent, showing dark geometric zonations on vertices. Green color is specially pleasant and intense.
Erongo Mountain, Usakos-Omaruru, Erongo  Namibia (2007)

Specimen size: 6.7 × 6.3 × 0.9 cm = 2.6” × 2.5” × 0.4”

Main crystal size: 0.7 × 0.6 cm = 0.3” × 0.2”

MX76M5: “Nest” of botryoidal growths of Shattuckite of very deep blue color, on Quartz matrix, with small crystals of Malachite and Cerussite. Really beautiful!
Otjikotu Mine, Kaokoveld, Kunene  Namibia (2007)

Specimen size: 6.3 × 4.6 × 4.9 cm = 2.5” × 1.8” × 1.9”

TP86N0: Group of very sharp octahedral crystals. They are transparent, bright and have an excellent, very intense green color. From a recent find in Riemvasmaak in 2008.
Riemvasmaak, Gordonia, Namaqualand, Northern Cape  South Africa (2008)

Specimen size: 5.4 × 4.7 × 2.1 cm = 2.1” × 1.9” × 0.8”

Main crystal size: 1.8 × 1.3 cm = 0.7” × 0.5”

TM97N0: Very aerial group of very sharp octahedral crystals. They are transparent, bright and have and excellent, very intense green color. From a recent find in Riemvasmaak in 2008.
Riemvasmaak, Gordonia, Namaqualand, Northern Cape  South Africa (2008)

Specimen size: 4.3 × 4.2 × 2.4 cm = 1.7” × 1.7” × 0.9”

Main crystal size: 2.1 × 1.5 cm = 0.8” × 0.6”

TH97N0: Very aerial group of very sharp octahedral crystals of a considerable size. They are transparent, bright and have and excellent, very intense green color. From a recent find in Riemvasmaak in 2008.
Riemvasmaak, Gordonia, Namaqualand, Northern Cape  South Africa (2008)

Specimen size: 6 × 5 × 3.6 cm = 2.4” × 2.0” × 1.4”

Main crystal size: 3.3 × 3 cm = 1.3” × 1.2”

TG50N0: Group of very sharp octahedral crystals. They are transparent, bright, with inclusions, and have an excellent, very intense green color. Partially coated by white Quartz. From a recent find in Riemvasmaak in 2008.
Riemvasmaak, Gordonia, Namaqualand, Northern Cape  South Africa (2008)

Specimen size: 7 × 5.9 × 4.5 cm = 2.8” × 2.3” × 1.8”

Main crystal size: 2.2 × 1.6 cm = 0.9” × 0.6”

TB93N0: An octahedral crystal of considerable size, of very sharp faces and edges. Translucent and bright, it has an excellent, very deep, green color. It is on a base of the same mineral. From a recent find in Riemvasmaak in 2008.
Riemvasmaak, Gordonia, Namaqualand, Northern Cape  South Africa (2008)

Specimen size: 6.7 × 6 × 4.8 cm = 2.6” × 2.4” × 1.9”

Main crystal size: 4.9 × 4.4 cm = 1.9” × 1.7”

MB70M8: Crystal has multiple termination and it is partially fibrous. It looks very well defined, very aerial, and has excellent luster. It stands on a matrix of small crystals of Albite.
Mount Malosa, Zomba  Malawi (2008)

Specimen size: 8 × 5 × 3.9 cm = 3.1” × 2.0” × 1.5”

Main crystal size: 7.4 × 2 cm = 2.9” × 0.8”

EM46P4: A fan group of very elongated prismatic crystals with complex terminations, very bright and with a group of white Feldspar crystals (probably Microcline) partially covered by small doubly terminated crystals of Zircon on the base of the sample. For their luster and size of crystals this is an exceptional piece.
Mount Malosa, Zomba  Malawi (04/2009)

Specimen size: 17.5 × 3.9 × 2.9 cm = 6.9” × 1.5” × 1.1”

ER86P2: Very aerial on its small Muscovite matrix, the trapezohedral crystal is almost complete and has an excellent definition of its faces and edges. Color, luster and transparency are magnificent.
Sangulungulu Hill, Naan, Loliondo, Ngorongoro, Arusha region  Tanzania (2008)

Specimen size: 2.5 × 1.9 × 1.9 cm = 1.0” × 0.7” × 0.7”

Main crystal size: 1.9 × 1.9 cm = 0.7” × 0.7”

TC64L1: This tabular crystal shows a deep red color, translucent under a light source. With triangular growth striations on the pinacoid.
Ampanihy area, Toliara  Madagascar

Specimen size: 3.2 × 3.1 × 0.6 cm = 1.3” × 1.2” × 0.2”

MB70L1: This floating twinned Chrysoberyl, which has well-defined contours, intense yellow color and brilliance, shows an assymmetric growth due probably to formation conditions. The two parts of the twin are well marked by the central joint and fine divergent growth striations. Good size and very original.
Lac Alaotra, Ambatondrazaka, Tamatave  Madagascar (2005)

Specimen size: 3.8 × 2.3 × 0.3 cm = 1.5” × 0.9” × 0.1”

TC67J3: Group of crystals from the August 2004, find. The aggregate is very attractive and we note the clearness of the crystals, the color and luster and, especially, the existence of twins formed by the contact of two rhombohedrons.
Sambava, Antsiranana  Madagascar (08/2004)

Specimen size: 6.7 × 4 × 3.7 cm = 2.6” × 1.6” × 1.5”

Main crystal size: 4.5 × 3 cm = 1.8” × 1.2”

TB27G9: A group of slightly flattened crystals that have a very uncommon type of twinning. They are on a matrix of little Quartz crystals. With the Calcite, some white prismatic crystals of Laumontite have also grown.
Sambava, Antsiranana  Madagascar (08/2004)

Specimen size: 6.5 × 4.5 × 4 cm = 2.6” × 1.8” × 1.6”

Main crystal size: 1.5 × 1.3 cm = 0.6” × 0.5”

TC37F3: A novelty from Madagascar, but a common species: Calcite. An attractive group in which the sharpness of the crystals stands out. They stand out for their color, brilliance, and the presence of extraordinarily unusual twinning formed by the interpenetration of two rhombohedra.
Sambava, Antsiranana  Madagascar (08/2004)

Specimen size: 5.2 × 3.3 × 2.3 cm = 2.0” × 1.3” × 0.9”

Main crystal size: 2.6 × 1.7 cm = 1.0” × 0.7”

EG87P2: A novelty in Ste. Marie 2009. Group of dodecahedral crystals of very well defined faces and edges and good color and luster and an excellent transparency. The matrix is formed by minute growths of the same garnet. The locality was not well known until recently, and the habit of this Demantoid is really unusual.
Ambanja, Diana, Antsiranana  Madagascar (05-06/2009)

Specimen size: 4.4 × 2.8 × 1.5 cm = 1.7” × 1.1” × 0.6”

Main crystal size: 0.7 × 0.4 cm = 0.3” × 0.2”

EA7P2: A novelty in Ste. Marie 2009. Group of dodecahedral crystals of very well defined faces and edges and good color, transparency and luster. The matrix is formed by minute growths of the same garnet. The locality was not well known until recently, and the habit of this Demantoid is really unusual.
Ambanja, Diana, Antsiranana  Madagascar (05-06/2009)

Specimen size: 2.8 × 2 × 1.2 cm = 1.1” × 0.8” × 0.5”

Main crystal size: 0.5 × 0.4 cm = 0.2” × 0.2”

EF50P2: A novelty in Ste. Marie 2009. Group of dodecahedral crystals on matrix, one of them clearly dominant, isolated and very big for the variety. Faces and edges are very well defined and have very good color, luster and transparency. The locality was not well known until recently, and the habit of this Demantoid is really unusual.
Ambanja, Diana, Antsiranana  Madagascar (05-06/2009)

Specimen size: 4.1 × 3 × 3.1 cm = 1.6” × 1.2” × 1.2”

Main crystal size: 1.3 × 1.2 cm = 0.5” × 0.5”

EP46N8: A novelty in Ste. Marie 2009. Group of crystals with a dominant dodecahedron and the faces of a trapezohedron on the edges. The crystals, on matrix, are very clear and bright, have a good green color and a curious flattened shape. The locality was not well known until recently, and habit of the Demantoid is really unusual.
Ambanja, Diana, Antsiranana  Madagascar (05-06/2009)

Specimen size: 2.9 × 2.7 × 1.9 cm = 1.1” × 1.1” × 0.7”

Main crystal size: 0.7 × 0.6 cm = 0.3” × 0.2”

EF51P2: A novelty in Ste. Marie 2009. Group of dodecahedral crystals of a considerable size for this variety of Andradite. Faces and edges of crystals that coat the matrix are very well defined and the color, transparency and luster are excellent. The locality was not well known until recently, and the habit of this Demantoid is really unusual.
Ambanja, Diana, Antsiranana  Madagascar (05-06/2009)

Specimen size: 10.4 × 6.5 × 2.2 cm = 4.1” × 2.6” × 0.9”

Main crystal size: 0.7 × 0.7 cm = 0.3” × 0.3”

TM96N2: A novelty of Tucson 2009. Unusual groups of crystals of irregular contour, more or less oval-shaped. They are pink, and more intense on the terminations. They are on very acute scalenohedrons of Calcite and on matrix. They have come from a single geode. At first we believed they could be Poldervaartite due to the presence of the accompanying Calcite and the pinkish color of the crystals, but the analysis confirms that they are Olmiite (the manganoan end of the series) and not Poldervaartite (the calcian end). We’ll send a copy of the analysis to the buyer of the sample.
The specimen has been reviewed, photographed and published as a new discovery in the magazine ‘Mineral up’ on page 29 in number 2009/2.
N'chwaning II Mine, upper levels, Kuruman, Kalahari  South Africa (12/2008)

Specimen size: 3.4 × 2.3 × 3.8 cm = 1.3” × 0.9” × 1.5”

TP47N2: A novelty of Tucson 2009. Unusual groups of crystals of irregular contour, more or less oval-shaped. They are pink, and more intense on the terminations. They are on very acute scalenohedrons of Calcite and on matrix. They have come from a single geode. At first we believed they could be Poldervaartite due to the presence of the accompanying Calcite and the pinkish color of the crystals, but the analysis confirms that they are Olmiite (the manganoan end of the series) and not Poldervaartite (the calcian end). We’ll send a copy of the analysis to the buyer of the sample.
N'chwaning II Mine, upper levels, Kuruman, Kalahari  South Africa (12/2008)

Specimen size: 3.9 × 4 × 3.3 cm = 1.5” × 1.6” × 1.3”

MA88N6: Globular growths of small crystals of Olmiite whose faces are very well defined and very bright, with two degrees of color, clear cream in some areas and slightly orange in others. On matrix, with small crystals of white Quartz.
N'chwaning II Mine, 45 level, Kuruman  South Africa (10/2008)

Specimen size: 4.8 × 4.7 × 3.3 cm = 1.9” × 1.9” × 1.3”

Main crystal size: 1.2 × 1 cm = 0.5” × 0.4”

MG90M5: A novelty of Munich 2008. The sample forms globular growths of poorly defined crystals. In some zones is possible to recognize two phases of growth. In the first one the aggregate is more spherical and of deeper color. The second, external, phase has a lighter color and it is possible to see the crystal faces. The color of the growths between orange and yellow is different from the older pieces, classified then as Poldervaartite.
N'chwaning II Mine, 45 level, Kuruman  South Africa (10/2008)

Specimen size: 8.6 × 5.7 × 4.9 cm = 3.4” × 2.2” × 1.9”

Main crystal size: 1.2 × 1.2 cm = 0.5” × 0.5”

EG6K9: Excellent miniature. The prismatic crystals are similar to a wheatsheaf with good brilliance and color. On rocky matrix.
N'chwaning II Mine, section 5 south stope, 46-47 roof, Kuruman  South Africa (01/2002)

Specimen size: 2.5 × 2 × 1.4 cm = 1.0” × 0.8” × 0.6”

Main crystal size: 1.2 × 0.8 cm = 0.5” × 0.3”

EM11E8: A double-spherical group of micro-crystals that have magnificent color and brilliance. A perfect sample if you want one a representative one in your collection. The very minimal matrix adds a little extra touch.
N'chwaning II Mine, section 5 south, stope 46-47 roof, Kuruman, Kalahari desert  South Africa (01/2002)

Specimen size: 3.7 × 1.9 × 2 cm = 1.5” × 0.7” × 0.8”

EJ12K9: Double globular growth, good brilliance. Color varies between orange and creamy. On rock matrix.
N'chwaning II Mine, section 5 south stope 46-47 roof, Kuruman  South Africa (01/2002)

Specimen size: 3.5 × 3 × 3 cm = 1.4” × 1.2” × 1.2”

EQ99: Excellent color, perfection, and esthetic: the form is really nice, it looks like a snowman. A exclusive and funny thing.
N'chwaning II Mine, section 5 south, stope 46-47 roof, Kuruman, Kalahari desert  South Africa (01/02)

Specimen size: 2.5 × 1.7 × 1.7 cm = 1.0” × 0.7” × 0.7”

Main crystal size: 2.4 × 1.9 cm = 0.9” × 0.7”

EJ77C2: Good color. In this case a perfect miniature.
N'chwaning II Mine, section 5 south, stope 46-47 roof, Kuruman, Kalahari desert  South Africa (01/02)

Specimen size: 4 × 3.5 × 2.2 cm = 1.6” × 1.4” × 0.9”

Main crystal size: 2 × 1.4 cm = 0.8” × 0.6”

TR37E2: Recently new Olmiites were found in N'chwaning. The color is a little more orange than the first ones and these ones are on a matrix of small crystals of gemmy Calcite, making the whole specimen esthetically pleasing. In this case the crystals of Poldervaarite form large balls, well positioned on the matrix, aerial, and with a good contrast with the white Calcite matrix.

N'chwaning II Mine, Kuruman  South Africa (11/03)

Specimen size: 3 × 2.7 × 1.8 cm = 1.2” × 1.1” × 0.7”

Main crystal size: 1.9 × 1.8 cm = 0.7” × 0.7”

EP38C0: Good crystal size and excellent transparency.
N'chwaning II Mine, section 5 south, stope 46-47 roof, Kuruman, Kalahari desert  South Africa (01/02)

Specimen size: 4.9 × 4.4 × 2.5 cm = 1.9” × 1.7” × 1.0”

Main crystal size: 1.3 × 0.7 cm = 0.5” × 0.3”

EF62E7: From the first samples of Olmiite found, we have managed to obtain this great specimen. It has a large sphere of crystals, which show very good color and brilliance, and are on matrix. As you can see in the photo it is a great, high quality specimen.
N'chwaning II Mine, section 5 south, stope 46-47 roof, Kuruman, Kalahari desert  South Africa (01/2002)

Specimen size: 5.4 × 3.9 × 3 cm = 2.1” × 1.5” × 1.2”

Main crystal size: 4 × 3.6 cm = 1.6” × 1.4”

EK27C0: A pinker color than the other specimens, large size and very well positioned at the top of the matrix.
N'chwaning II Mine, section 5 south, stope 46-47 roof, Kuruman, Kalahari desert  South Africa (01/02)

Specimen size: 5 × 3.5 × 2 cm = 2.0” × 1.4” × 0.8”

Main crystal size: 2.9 × 2.7 cm = 1.1” × 1.1”

EB54E8: This one stands out for the crystalline terminations, pyramidal and in complex groups that give it a spherical look, and the sharpness of the forms of the prismatic faces. Both the color and brilliance are magnificent. The position of the group on the matrix makes it very esthetic and adds the definitive touch.
N'chwaning II Mine, section 5 south, stope 46-47 roof, Kuruman, Kalahari desert  South Africa (01/2002)

Specimen size: 4.8 × 2 × 3.4 cm = 1.9” × 0.8” × 1.3”

EB2B9: Two photos showing its spectacular color change. Just minor matrix on its rear, almost a floater specimen complete in all sides with perfect form and excellent luster-color perfection. The crystals have a spherical form, they are gemmy and are formed by hundreds of small parallel grow crystals. A beauty!.
This specimen was photographed for the magazine ‘Mineralien Welt’ and appears on page 18 of number 1/2009.
N'chwaning II Mine, section 5 south, stope 46-47 roof, Kuruman, Kalahari desert  South Africa (01/02)

Specimen size: 5.5 × 3.7 × 3.2 cm = 2.2” × 1.5” × 1.3”

MJ62K7: Epitaxial Rutile reticulated growth on a tabular former Ilmenite crystal pseudomorphed by Rutile and Hematite.
Mwinilunga  Zambia (05/2007)

Specimen size: 6.8 × 4.8 × 2 cm = 2.7” × 1.9” × 0.8”

MM61K7: Epitaxial reticulated growth of Rutile on tabular former Ilmenite crystal pseudomorphed by Rutile and Hematite. Rutile presents a deep red color and brilliant multiple twins.
Mwinilunga  Zambia (05/2007)

Specimen size: 4.3 × 4.1 × 1.5 cm = 1.7” × 1.6” × 0.6”

Main crystal size: 4 × 3.2 cm = 1.6” × 1.3”

MT16K7: Epitaxial reticulated growth and twinned Rutile crystals, on doubly tabular former Ilmenite crystal pseudomorphed by Rutile and Hematite.
Mwinilunga  Zambia (05/2007)

Specimen size: 6.7 × 5.9 × 2.3 cm = 2.6” × 2.3” × 0.9”

TA12M9: Globular growths and well defined dark red cubic crystals of Cuprite on a matrix of Limonite partially covered by Smithsonite.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia

Specimen size: 6.7 × 3.7 × 2.5 cm = 2.6” × 1.5” × 1.0”

Main crystal size: 0.1 × 0.1 cm = 0.0” × 0.0”

TA37L3: An extraordinary classic Tsumeb specimen. Very well defined Cuprite crystals, formed by dominant octahedron and cube faces, on a Cuprite matrix covered by a layer of small Dolomite crystals. Cuprite presents an excellent luster and an uncommon transparency for the species, when light reflects on the crystals.
The sample is accompanied by old labels from an unidentified German collection, which we will send to the buyer of this gorgeous specimen.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia (±1969)

Specimen size: 12 × 7.2 × 4.3 cm = 4.7” × 2.8” × 1.7”

Main crystal size: 0.6 × 0.6 cm = 0.2” × 0.2”

TP63M0: Excellent color Olivenite crystal aggregate with a good size for the species and the locality. Accompanied by Malachite pseudomorphous after Azurite, also Azurite crystals with an excellent transparency and definition and green aggregates and concretions of Duftite. The Duftite has been analyzed and we will send a copy of the analysis to the buyer. A high quality specimen from a classic locality.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia

Specimen size: 5.7 × 5.3 × 3.2 cm = 2.2” × 2.1” × 1.3”

Main crystal size: 0.4 × 0.2 cm = 0.2” × 0.1”

TT99N6: Group of nearly transparent bright crystals with excellent color and very well defined terminations. A magnificent representative of the species.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia

Specimen size: 3.3 × 2.5 × 3.5 cm = 1.3” × 1.0” × 1.4”

MF78I0: The crystal is a typical pseudohexagonal twin and it is formed by a short prism and the pseudopyramidal termination. It is esthetically grown on a matrix covered by concretions of Calcite contrasting with white Tarnowitzite, a lead-rich variety, not very common, of Aragonite.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia

Specimen size: 4.5 × 4.5 × 3.8 cm = 1.8” × 1.8” × 1.5”

Main crystal size: 2.5 × 2.3 cm = 1.0” × 0.9”

EX97H1: Crystals, forming divergent sprays, have very well defined prism and pyramid, free of curvatures and deformations. They are transparent and have a vivid yellow color outstanding on the white Smithsonite matrix. The sample has a high quality and is from Martin Zinn collection.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia

Specimen size: 4.8 × 3.2 × 2.5 cm = 1.9” × 1.3” × 1.0”

Main crystal size: 0.6 × 0.2 cm = 0.2” × 0.1”

T92BE6: Spray of Cerussite crystals, a floater, and they have the typical criss-cross form of Cerussite from Tsumeb. Both the transparency and brilliance are good: so another good Cerussite twin from Tsumeb.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia

Specimen size: 4 × 3.7 × 2.6 cm = 1.6” × 1.5” × 1.0”

Main crystal size: 2.1 × 1.8 cm = 0.8” × 0.7”

MA47H1: White microcrystals of Cerussite are covering tabular crystals of Anglesite. We suspected that the white coverage was Hydrocerussite, so we analyzed it and the results confirmed it as Cerussite. A curiosity from Tsumeb.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia

Specimen size: 8 × 7.8 × 5 cm = 3.1” × 3.1” × 2.0”

Main crystal size: 2.8 × 2 cm = 1.1” × 0.8”

MA66L5: Azurite crystal with an equidimensional form, very uncommon for Azurite, with well defined faces and edges, and very intense color. The upper crystal is a contact. On a Malachite matrix.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia

Specimen size: 4.3 × 3 × 2 cm = 1.7” × 1.2” × 0.8”

Main crystal size: 2.1 × 2 cm = 0.8” × 0.8”

TA76H3: Multiple crystals forming parallel growths, very aerial and esthetic on the matrix with Cerussite and Malachite. The quality of luster and the color, deep blue with clearer reflections, is very good.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia

Specimen size: 3.3 × 2.5 × 2.2 cm = 1.3” × 1.0” × 0.9”

TJ9B6: Just look at the color! Are you looking for a colorful specimen from a classic locality, which is also a little bit different as other ones? This could be it. Yes, the crystal size are not enormous, but look at that color!
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia

Specimen size: 6 × 5.7 cm = 2.4” × 2.2”

TP16H7: A very fine specimen, elegant and original. Crystals are doubly terminated, have excellent color and luster, and they are formed of the prism and the acute rhombohedron on terminations. They cover a stalactitic growth of Calcite that gives a very aerial shape to the sample.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia

Specimen size: 6 × 3.2 × 2.3 cm = 2.4” × 1.3” × 0.9”

Main crystal size: 0.7 × 0.3 cm = 0.3” × 0.1”