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

MH29L7: Well defined Corundum crystal, translucent and with a color that varies between red (under sunlight) and mauve with bluish tones (under artificial light). Crystal is partially included in a rich Muscovite and Pyrope (Rhodolite) matrix.
Zazafotsy Quarry, Ambahatraso, Ihosy, Fianarantsoa  Madagascar (10/2007)

Specimen size: 5.6 × 4.2 × 3.4 cm

Main crystal size: 1.8 × 1 cm

TF30L3: From a locality not yet well known by mineral collectors, the crystal presents a very curious flattened morphology, where two parallel prism faces have virtually disappeared. We would like to call your attention on the extraordinary transparency and the attractive distribution of intense violet cloudy forms inside the specimen.
Antani, Ankbaribe, Antananarivo  Madagascar (2007)

Specimen size: 8.5 × 1.9 × 1.1 cm

TT9K9: Extremely elongated crystal with many dark green inclusions, probably Clinochlore.
Ambatomanoina, Ambatolampikely, Antananarivo  Madagascar (2006)

Specimen size: 6.8 × 1.5 × 1.2 cm

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

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

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

Main crystal size: 4.5 × 3 cm

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

Main crystal size: 1.5 × 1.3 cm

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

Main crystal size: 2.6 × 1.7 cm

TL96L5: Testaceous group of well defined prismatic Lepidolite crystals. Excellent terminations and nice mauve color. Associated with laminar Albite crystals and minor Apatite-(CaF) (very fluorescent) in the matrix.
Otjua Mine, Karibib, Erongo  Namibia

Specimen size: 13.3 × 9.4 × 5.6 cm

Main crystal size: 0.4 × 0.4 cm

TP27L1: Very sharp and brilliant Amethyst crystal. Specimen shows nice and well defined color zonations that are inside the known “phantom” growths. The terminal rhombohedra faces present the beginning of “window” growths.
Gobobos Volcano, Gobobosebberge  Namibia

Specimen size: 7.6 × 2.3 × 1.8 cm

TW27L1: Group of cubic and sharp Fluorite crystals, very transparent, showing deep green cubic internal and centered zonations. The lighter green color is specially pleasant and intense. The main crystal presents an interesting curiosity: is totally hollow, due to natural dissolution processes.
Erongo Mountain, Usakos-Omaruru, Erongo  Namibia (2007)

Specimen size: 4.6 × 3 × 2.7 cm

Main crystal size: 3 × 2.5 cm

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

Main crystal size: 0.7 × 0.6 cm

TJ89L0: A novelty of Tucson 2008. This Shattuckite specimen comes from the recent works in the Otjikotu Mine, on Kaokoveld, that started recently to mine for collection specimens. Very esthetic botryoidal growth, with an intense and very uniform color.
Otjikotu, Kaokoveld, Kunene  Namibia (2007)

Specimen size: 3.4 × 3 × 1.5 cm

TX79L0: Particularly esthetic specimen. With the main Beryl crystal group very aerial, some of them doubly terminated. Sharp faces and edges with good color. On a fine acicular Schorl matrix.
Erongo Mountain, Usakos-Omaruru, Erongo  Namibia (2007)

Specimen size: 5 × 3.8 × 3 cm

Main crystal size: 2.2 × 0.3 cm

TB89J1: Very aerial and esthetic specimen with an excellent crystallization in which appear, without predominance of one or another, the faces of the cube, slightly rough, and those of the octahedron, completely smooth. The green color is another feature of this original sample.
Reemvasmaak, Orange River, Northern Cape Province  South Africa (2006)

Specimen size: 6.3 × 6 × 4.2 cm

Main crystal size: 3.5 × 3.5 cm

TG89L3: The definitive thumbnail. Extremely well defined Libethenite crystals, with marked pseudo-octahedral habit. Very deep green color, excellent luster and on matrix.
This sample was collected by K. J. Reid in November, 1976, who published an interesting article on The Mineralogical Record (Vol. 9 n. 6, Nov.-Dec. 1978)
Rokana Mine, Kitwe  Zambia (11/1976)

Specimen size: 2.1 × 1.6 × 1.4 cm

Main crystal size: 1.1 × 1 cm

TE99L1: Very sharp, complex and excellent luster Libethenite crystals on matrix. The specimen comes from a one of the most classical Libethenite localities, where nowadays it is quite difficult to find fresh and high quality specimens.
This sample was collected by K. J. Reid in November, 1976, who published an interesting article on The Mineralogical Record (Vol. 9 n. 6, Nov.-Dec. 1978).
Rokana Mine, Kitwe  Zambia (11/1976)

Specimen size: 4.5 × 3.6 × 3 cm

Main crystal size: 1.5 × 1.4 cm

TF98L1: Well defined crystal, very complex, with excellent brilliance and on matrix. The specimen comes from a one of the most classical Libethenite localities, where nowadays it is quite difficult to find fresh and high quality specimens.
This sample was collected by K. J. Reid in November, 1976, who published an interesting article on The Mineralogical Record (Vol. 9 n. 6, Nov.-Dec. 1978).
Rokana Mine, Kitwe  Zambia (11/1976)

Specimen size: 4 × 3.9 × 2.7 cm

Main crystal size: 1.3 × 1.3 cm

TQ86L1: Botryoidal growth, really esthetic specimen covered by microcrystals that give to the specimen a very particular and pleasant brilliance. Color is very intensive, more than usual for the Malachite.
Mashamba West Mine, Shaba  Congo D.R.

Specimen size: 7.3 × 4.6 × 1.7 cm

EF16K6: Eudidymite forms a parallel growth of delicate white and doubly terminated crystals implanted on a doubly terminated black crystal of Aegirine.
Mount Malosa, Zomba  Malawi (2006)

Specimen size: 6.3 × 4.1 × 1.7 cm

Main crystal size: 3 × 2.2 cm

EQ46K3: Fanlike group of laminar very well shaped crystals. Their size is very considerable for the species. A magnificent sample of a very uncommon species. We analyzed the specimen and we’ll send a copy of the analysis to the buyer.
Mount Malosa, Zomba  Malawi (03/2007)

Specimen size: 6.1 × 5.9 × 4.9 cm

Main crystal size: 6 × 4 cm

TY56H7: An extraordinary specimen. A group of two crystals, one of them twinned, dominant and bigger, showing parallel growth following the twin plane. The definition of the crystal is magnificent. Although its color is not red the analysis determined it is really Tantalite-(Mn). We’ll send a copy of the analysis to the buyer.
Also, this specimen was photographed for the ‘what’s new at St Marie 2006’ section of the magazine ‘Minéraux et Fossiles’ and appears on page 21 of number 353. We will send the purchaser a copy of the magazine.
Murrua Mine, Gile, Quelimane, Alto Ligonha  Mozambique (2005)

Specimen size: 10.3 × 6.2 × 4.4 cm

EE6J8: A very recent rediscovery of this rare species, which seems to have disappeared many years ago. On fissures and vugs of a Limonite matrix grown small yellowish crystals of this rare phosphate on a base of blue Turquoise.
Kourou Diakouma, Linguere, Tambacounda  Senegal (01-03/2007)

Specimen size: 8.3 × 6 × 5.2 cm

Main crystal size: 0.1 × 0.1 cm

EB36J8: A very recent rediscovery of this rare species, which seems to have disappeared many years ago. On fissures and vugs of a Limonite matrix grown small yellowish crystals of this rare phosphate on a base of blue Turquoise.
Kourou Diakouma, Linguere, Tambacounda  Senegal (01-03/2007)

Specimen size: 4.2 × 2.3 × 3.1 cm

Main crystal size: 0.1 × 0.1 cm

EC36J8: A very recent rediscovery of this rare species, which seems to have disappeared many years ago. On fissures and vugs of a Limonite matrix grown small yellowish crystals of this rare phosphate on a base of blue Turquoise.
Kourou Diakouma, Linguere, Tambacounda  Senegal (01-03/2007)

Specimen size: 8.3 × 6 × 4.7 cm

Main crystal size: 0.1 × 0.1 cm

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

Main crystal size: 4 × 3.2 cm

MF61K7: Epitaxial Rutile reticulated growth on a tabular former Ilmenite crystal pseudomorphed by Rutile and Hematite.
Mwinilunga  Zambia (05/2007)

Specimen size: 5.1 × 3.4 × 1.1 cm

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

MB11K7: Epitaxial reticulated growth crystals of Rutile on a doubly tabular former Ilmenite crystal pseudomorphed by Rutile and Hematite. Rutile presents multiple twins, including cyclic twins.
Mwinilunga  Zambia (05/2007)

Specimen size: 3.5 × 2.6 × 2.2 cm

Main crystal size: 2.8 × 2.2 cm

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

MP63K7: Epitaxial reticulated growth of Rutile on tabular former Ilmenite crystal pseudomorphed by Rutile and Hematite. Rutile presents a deep red color and brilliant twins.
Mwinilunga  Zambia (05/2007)

Specimen size: 7.8 × 4.1 × 2 cm

Main crystal size: 6.5 × 3.5 cm

EX16H5: The crystal of Carrollite has very sharp and bright faces and edges combining the forms of the cube and the octahedron. It has a strong contrast with white Calcite matrix. It is nearly perfect but has a little ding on the back, not visible when the piece is on exhibition.
Kamoya South Mine, Kambove  Congo D.R. (2002)

Specimen size: 6.9 × 5.2 × 4.5 cm

Main crystal size: 1.2 × 0.9 cm

EX17I2: Crystal on Calcite matrix. It is very well developed, with predominating forms of the octahedron but with the four faces of the tetrahexahedron in every visible corner.
Kamoya South Mine, Kambove  Congo D.R. (2002)

Specimen size: 5 × 4.9 × 3.5 cm

Main crystal size: 1.2 × 1.1 cm

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

Main crystal size: 1.2 × 0.8 cm

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

EN27C2: Yellowish under spot light, but the three doubly terminated wheatsheaves so well placed on their matrix that we thought that some customer would fall in love with it.
N'chwaning II Mine, section 5 south, stope 46-47 roof, Kuruman, Kalahari desert  South Africa (01/02)

Specimen size: 3.3 × 2.3 × 1.3 cm

Main crystal size: 1.6 × 1 cm

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

EB7C2: A yellowish specimen. Form, quality and doubly terminated crystals must attract a more selective customer.
N'chwaning II Mine, section 5 south, stope 46-47 roof, Kuruman, Kalahari desert  South Africa (01/02)

Specimen size: 3.2 × 2.7 × 2.3 cm

Main crystal size: 1.8 × 1 cm

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

Main crystal size: 2.4 × 1.9 cm

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

Main crystal size: 2 × 1.4 cm

TR37E2: Recently new Poldervaartites 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

Main crystal size: 1.9 × 1.8 cm

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

Main crystal size: 1.3 × 0.7 cm

EF62E7: From the first samples of Poldervaartite 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

Main crystal size: 4 × 3.6 cm

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

Main crystal size: 2.9 × 2.7 cm

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

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!
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

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

Main crystal size: 2.1 × 2 cm

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

T90D: Smithsonite (two generations) with the larger crystals darker and the smaller ones lighter in color.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia

Specimen size: 6.5 × 4.5 cm

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

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

Main crystal size: 0.7 × 0.3 cm

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

Main crystal size: 0.6 × 0.6 cm

TQ27L1: Tsumeb Cuprian Adamites are uncommon. Their main characteristic is the intense deep green color, as you can see in this specimen. This specimen consists of small but well defined crystals on matrix.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia

Specimen size: 3.4 × 3 × 1.1 cm

Main crystal size: 0.1 × 0.1 cm

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

Main crystal size: 2.5 × 2.3 cm

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

Main crystal size: 0.6 × 0.2 cm

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

Main crystal size: 2.1 × 1.8 cm

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

Main crystal size: 2.8 × 2 cm