Fabre Minerals
FABRE MINERALS
High quality mineral specimens
Bringing you selected collectible minerals since 1971
Fabre Minerals


Reference Specimens
Africa (excl. Morocco) - Tsumeb

(para ver esta página en español)

Previous Page Previous Page Next Page Next Page

 

Back to Index of the Reference Specimens

Page bottom

Photos by Fabre Minerals

This page gathers together the specimens that, because of their quality, rarity or interesting locality,
we wish to maintain on our web site as reference specimens although they have been sold.

Cobaltian Calcite
Cobaltian Calcite. Cobaltian Calcite.

EP16K3: Group of lenticular crystals with an especially intense color and luster. The base of the specimen is sawn but it doesn’t diminish the esthetic value of the specimen.
Mashamba West Mine, Shaba  Congo D.R.

Specimen size: 6.7 × 5.2 × 2.6 cm = 2.6” × 2.0” × 1.0”

Main crystal size: 0.4 × 0.3 cm = 0.2” × 0.1”


 
Malachite

TN66L1: Nice specimen with unusual fan-shaped growths formed by acicular Malachite crystals, with velvet aspect brilliance. From a Shaba locality not yet well known by mineral collectors.
Mindigi, Shaba  Congo D.R. (2007)

Specimen size: 9.5 × 5.9 × 4.7 cm = 3.7” × 2.3” × 1.9”

Main crystal size: 1.8 × 0.1 cm = 0.7” × 0.0”


Malachite.
 
Malachite
Malachite. Front
Front
Malachite. Side
Side

JJ86F4: A kidney-like, very esthetic, intensely colored form that has a brilliant but satiny surface.
This one was shown in number 336 (January-February 2005) on the magazine ‘Minιraux et Fossiles’. We will send the purchaser a copy of the magazine.
Kolwezi  Congo D.R.

Specimen size: 7 × 5.6 × 9.3 cm = 2.8” × 2.2” × 3.7”


 
Cornetite with Malachite

E16EDH5: Crystals are very bright and appear in radial groups. Some of these groups are deep uniform marine blue, some others have a clearer blue in zones near the center and are deeper on the edges. We call attention on the contrast with the deep green color of the Malachite base.
Mine de l'Etoile, Shaba, Lubumbashi  Congo D.R.

Specimen size: 8.9 × 6.3 × 3 cm = 3.5” × 2.5” × 1.2”

Main crystal size: 0.6 × 0.5 cm = 0.2” × 0.2”


Cornetite with Malachite. Cornetite with Malachite.
 
Cuprite with Calcite
Cuprite with Calcite.
Cuprite with Calcite.

TB17E6: These crystals of Cuprite have a very metallic luster, but are not that red. That said, the definition and form are, in my opinion, good, so overall it is a neat specimen.
Mashamba West Mine, Shaba  Congo D.R.

Specimen size: 5.5 × 4.6 × 3.3 cm = 2.2” × 1.8” × 1.3”

Main crystal size: 1 × 0.6 cm = 0.4” × 0.2”

Calcite extremely fluorescent long & short UV


 
Dioptase

MC67I0: Color and luster are magnificent. The group is formed by a lot of crystals with very well defined faces and edges and absolutely free of damage. The specimen, really esthetic, is from a recent find at a classic mine.
Tantara Mine, 20m↓, Kakounde, Likasi, Shaba  Congo D.R. (2006)

Specimen size: 3.8 × 3.1 × 2.2 cm = 1.5” × 1.2” × 0.9”

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


Dioptase.
 
Dioptase
Dioptase. Front
Front
Dioptase. Side
Side
Dioptase.
Dioptase

TX16H7: The main crystal, rising on a surface of smaller crystals, can be considered as a giant. Its faces and edges are perfectly defined, bright and partially pseudomorphed by another (undetermined) copper mineral. The matrix is a very rich blue mineral described as Chrysocolla on the label but it must be Plancheite. Please note that although the original labels state that the locality is "near Gouloukoutou River", we have labeled it as Tantara because we believe that this is the right locality.
The sample is with two old labels, of Burminco (Monrovia, California) and from D.E. Boydston collection.
Tantara Mine, Kakounde, Likasi, Shaba  Congo D.R.

Specimen size: 4.9 × 4 × 3.2 cm = 1.9” × 1.6” × 1.3”

Main crystal size: 2.8 × 1.7 cm = 1.1” × 0.7”


 
Malachite after Barite

E59AH5: Growth of two generations of Barite crystals. The first in laminar crystals has been completely replaced by Malachite. The second one formed gray tabular crystals. Very original.
Shangulowe Mine, Shangulowe  Congo D.R. (11/1997)

Specimen size: 5 × 3.5 × 4.2 cm = 2.0” × 1.4” × 1.7”


Malachite after Barite. Front
Front
Malachite after Barite. Top
Top
 
Barite with Malachite inclusions
Barite with Malachite inclusions. Front
Front
Barite with Malachite inclusions. Top
Top

KB92M3: Group of parallel greenish doubly terminated Barite crystals. This greenish tone is caused by Malachite inclusions. On a Limonite matrix. One of the best samples of this shape found in this locality. We consider this specimen among the best Barite with Malachite specimens worldwide.
The specimen is from the James Catmur collection and we’ll send the label to the buyer.
Shangulowe Mine, Shangulowe  Congo D.R. (11/1997)

Specimen size: 8.4 × 7 × 4.5 cm = 3.3” × 2.8” × 1.8”

Main crystal size: 5 × 1.5 cm = 2.0” × 0.6”

Minor fluorescence short UV


 
Braunite with Calcite

TQ97N0: A novelty for Tucson 2009. Very well defined crystals of the best quality for the species. With an excellent luster, they are on a matrix of white crystals of Calcite. From a recent find (2008) at the new N’Chwanning III mine.
N'Chwaning III Mine, Kuruman, Kalahari  South Africa (2008)

Specimen size: 6.6 × 6 × 3.9 cm = 2.6” × 2.4” × 1.5”

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


Braunite with Calcite.
Braunite with Calcite.
 
Apophyllite-(KOH)
Apophyllite-(KOH).

MZ14D5: The N'Chwaning Mine is famous for its fine Rhodos but it also produces curious Apophyllite-(KOH) specimens which are totally different from the Indian ones or any others for that matter. This esthetic group perched on its matrix displays very well due the extremely aerial position of the crystals.
N'Chwaning II Mine, Kuruman, Kalahari  South Africa (2001)

Specimen size: 7 × 3.5 × 3 cm = 2.8” × 1.4” × 1.2”

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


 
Hausmannite

LR36F4: This specimen shows parallel growths on a single axis, so typical of the finds from N'Chwanning. The tetrahedral crystals are brilliant with very well defined faces and edges, and a brilliant surface.
From the David Lucas collection, number 587 so we will give the buyer his label.
N'Chwaning II Mine, Kuruman, Kalahari  South Africa

Specimen size: 3.5 × 3.2 × 3.3 cm = 1.4” × 1.3” × 1.3”

Calcite extremely fluorescent long & short UV


Hausmannite.
 
Kutnohorite
Kutnohorite.

EH37D2: Really nice form for this reasonably uncommon mineral and just how I like them: very aerial crystals well separated from the matrix.
Wessels Mine, Hotazel, Kalahari  South Africa (1980)

Specimen size: 5 × 4.7 × 3 cm = 2.0” × 1.9” × 1.2”

Fluorescent long & short UV


 
Octahedral Fluorite with Quartz

TQ67N0: Group of very sharp octahedral crystals. They are transparent, bright, with centered inclusions, 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: 4.6 × 3.5 × 3.8 cm = 1.8” × 1.4” × 1.5”

Main crystal size: 2.3 × 2 cm = 0.9” × 0.8”

Fluorescent long & short UV


Octahedral Fluorite with Quartz. Front
Front
Octahedral Fluorite with Quartz. Top
Top
 
Octahedral Fluorite with Quartz
Octahedral Fluorite with Quartz. Front
Front
Octahedral Fluorite with Quartz. Rear
Rear

TL97N0: 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: 6.3 × 4 × 3.3 cm = 2.5” × 1.6” × 1.3”

Main crystal size: 1.6 × 1.2 cm = 0.6” × 0.5”

Fluorescent long & short UV


 
Fluorite

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.
Riemvasmaak, Gordonia, Namaqualand, Northern Cape  South Africa (2006)

Specimen size: 6.3 × 6 × 4.2 cm = 2.5” × 2.4” × 1.7”

Main crystal size: 3.5 × 3.5 cm = 1.4” × 1.4”

Fluorescent long & short UV


Fluorite. Front
Front
Fluorite. Side
Side
 
Descloizite
Descloizite.

EE76D2: Thick, really thick, this crystal does not look anything like the other descloizites I have seen. I really like the bulk of it as well as its strange architecture.
Berg Aukas, Grootfontein  Namibia

Specimen size: 5.2 × 2.5 × 1.5 cm = 2.0” × 1.0” × 0.6”


 
Descloizite
Descloizite

TR46G3: Such crystallization is very uncommon. Crystals are orthorhombic bipyramids of very well-shaped faces and edges, with a beautiful bright brown color. With a wide "pedigree" as its five labels show. We'll send these labels to the buyer of the specimen.
Olifantsfontein Mine, Olifantsfontein, Grootfontein  Namibia

Specimen size: 4 × 3.4 × 2.4 cm = 1.6” × 1.3” × 0.9”

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


Descloizite. Descloizite.
 
Lepidolite with Clevelandite
Lepidolite with Clevelandite.
Lepidolite with Clevelandite.

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

Specimen size: 13.3 × 9.4 × 5.6 cm = 5.2” × 3.7” × 2.2”

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

Fluorapatite very fluorescent long & short UV


 
Phlogopite with Calcite

TG12N2: 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: 3.9 × 3.3 × 3.7 cm = 1.5” × 1.3” × 1.5”

Main crystal size: 3.7 × 2.9 cm = 1.5” × 1.1”

Calcite minor fluorescence long & short UV


Phlogopite with Calcite.
 
Phlogopite with Calcite
Phlogopite with Calcite. Front
Front
Phlogopite with Calcite. Rear
Rear

TA26N2: 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: 8 × 7.1 × 3.5 cm = 3.1” × 2.8” × 1.4”

Main crystal size: 6.6 × 5.5 cm = 2.6” × 2.2”

Calcite minor fluorescence long & short UV


 
Shattuckite with Cerussite and Malachite

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”


Shattuckite with Cerussite and Malachite. Shattuckite with Cerussite and Malachite.
 
Shattuckite
Shattuckite.

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 Mine, Kaokoveld, Kunene  Namibia (2007)

Specimen size: 3.4 × 3 × 1.5 cm = 1.3” × 1.2” × 0.6”


 
Fluorite

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 = 1.8” × 1.2” × 1.1”

Main crystal size: 3 × 2.5 cm = 1.2” × 1.0”

Minor fluorescence long & short UV


Fluorite.
 
Jeremejevite
Jeremejevite.

TV87D8: Great specimen, good color, and with two significant features: it is not a single crystal but two crystals that have grown in parallel, and, as well as having the upper termination undamaged, the lower one has healed and re-crystallized – something not very common in this species.
Erongo Mountain, Usakos-Omaruru, Erongo  Namibia (2001)

Specimen size: 2.5 × 0.4 × 0.25 cm = 1.0” × 0.2” × 0.1”


 
Schorl with Beryl (Aquamarine)

TJ66H9: We especially note, on the same specimen, the coincidence of a prismatic crystal of Schorl with two crystals of Beryl (Aquamarine) on a matrix of Feldspar, probably Orthoclase.
Erongo Mountain, Usakos-Omaruru, Erongo  Namibia

Specimen size: 5.4 × 4.7 × 3 cm = 2.1” × 1.9” × 1.2”

Main crystal size: 5.1 × 2.2 cm = 2.0” × 0.9”


Schorl with Beryl (Aquamarine).
 
Schorl with Quartz
Schorl with Quartz.
Schorl with Quartz.

TL37E0: The photo says a lot about the esthetics of this great specimen, so all we need to add is that it is a floater and that the form and brilliance are as good as the photo suggests. It is a really great specimen.
Davib Ost farm, Karibib District, Erongo  Namibia

Specimen size: 7.5 × 7 × 3.8 cm = 3.0” × 2.8” × 1.5”

Main crystal size: 1.7 × 1.4 cm = 0.7” × 0.6”


 
Malachite after Cuprite

TX96D8: From old discoveries comes this Cuprite that has been psuedomorphised by Malachite. The piece is a floater, the crystal is well defined, and it has a form that is different from the typical ones. It also has the virtue of being on matrix, something that is not usual in material from this mine. A special classic specimen.
Onganja, Seeis, Windhoek, Khomas  Namibia

Specimen size: 2.5 × 2.2 × 1.7 cm = 1.0” × 0.9” × 0.7”


Malachite after Cuprite.
 
Actinolite
Actinolite.

TB88: A Namibian novelty: in one area of the Namibian dessert, more or less due West of Uis, people found new Actinolites, very sharp and with a slight green tint, making the specimens more agreeable than others that are blacker. We got this specimen, which is a floater and complete on all its sides, for its luster and perfection.
West Uis  Namibia (12/02)

Specimen size: 8.5 × 2.5 × 2 cm = 3.3” × 1.0” × 0.8”


 
Andradite (Demantoid) Chromium rich

E66FD2: The Italian Demantoids are really good, but this one does not miss the mark by far, transparent, aerial on the matrix of white calcite.
Namgar Mine, Usakos-Omaruru, Erongo  Namibia

Specimen size: 4 × 3.5 × 2.5 cm = 1.6” × 1.4” × 1.0”

Main crystal size: 0.6 × 0.5 cm = 0.2” × 0.2”


Andradite (Demantoid) Chromium rich.
Andradite (Demantoid) Chromium rich.
 
Senegalite with Turquoise
Senegalite with Turquoise. Senegalite with Turquoise.

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.
This specimen was published on the Mineralogical Record΄s web page, in the ‘What's New’ section of the March 13, 2008 edition.
Kourou Diakouma, Linguere, Tambacounda  Senegal (01-03/2007)

Specimen size: 4.2 × 2.3 × 3.1 cm = 1.7” × 0.9” × 1.2”

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

Type locality


 
Senegalite with Turquoise and Crandallite

EM97M2: Very rich Senegalite vug coated by very sharp and lustrous crystals, with an intense yellow color and transparency. Between the matrix and the Senegalite crystal base, one can see a thin blue layer of Turquoise that is coating other small vugs in the matrix, accompanied by Crandallite. It is from a recent find (March 2008) at the Type Locality for the species.
The specimen has been reviewed, photographed and published as a new discovery in the magazines ‘Mineralogical Record’ on page 68 in the volume 40, number 1 and ‘Rivista Mineralogica Italiana’ on page 190 in number 2008/3.
Kourou Diakouma, Linguere, Tambacounda  Senegal (03/2008)

Specimen size: 7.7 × 6.6 × 5.9 cm = 3.0” × 2.6” × 2.3”

Main crystal size: 0.3 × 0.1 cm = 0.1” × 0.0”

Type locality


Senegalite with Turquoise and Crandallite. Senegalite with Turquoise and Crandallite.
 
Senegalite with Turquoise
Senegalite with Turquoise. Senegalite with Turquoise.

EP48M2: Really esthetic specimen formed by vugs coated by very sharp and lustrous Senegalite crystals, with an intense yellowish color and transparency. Between the matrix and the Senegalite crystal base, one can see a thin blue layer of Turquoise that is coating other small vugs in the matrix. The specimen is from a recent find (March 2008) at the Type Locality for the species.
Kourou Diakouma, Linguere, Tambacounda  Senegal (03/2008)

Specimen size: 10.1 × 9 × 5.2 cm = 4.0” × 3.5” × 2.0”

Main crystal size: 0.3 × 0.1 cm = 0.1” × 0.0”

Type locality


 
Twinned Rutile

MB60L8: Group of Rutile crystals, one of them with a good size. On a Limonite matrix that resembles a conglomerate. Rutile crystals display a perfect example of the classic cyclic twin. Very bright, striated faces and deep red color transparency and reflections visible under an intense light. Although the first locality given in the market was D.R. of Congo, we can give the correct locality as Zambia, close to the D.R. of Congo border.
Kinyanfumbe  Zambia (2007)

Specimen size: 3.2 × 4.1 × 3.2 cm = 1.3” × 1.6” × 1.3”

Main crystal size: 0.9 × 0.9 cm = 0.4” × 0.4”


Twinned Rutile.
Twinned Rutile.
Twinned Rutile.
 
Twinned Rutile
Twinned Rutile.

MA63L8: Group of Rutile crystals that show perfect cyclic twins on a matrix of Limonite and Quartz. Very bright, striated faces and deep red color transparency and reflections visible under an intense light. Although the first locality given in the market was D.R. of Congo, we can give the correct locality as Zambia, close to the D.R. of Congo border.
Kinyanfumbe  Zambia (2007)

Specimen size: 3.1 × 2.3 × 2.6 cm = 1.2” × 0.9” × 1.0”

Main crystal size: 1.1 × 1 cm = 0.4” × 0.4”


 
Twinned Rutile

MA61L8: Group of Rutile crystals that show perfect cyclic twins on a matrix formed by Rutile, Limonite and a bit of Quartz. Very bright, striated faces and deep red color transparency and reflections visible under an intense light. Although the first locality given in the market was D.R. of Congo, we can give the correct locality as Zambia, close to the D.R. of Congo border.
Kinyanfumbe  Zambia (2007)

Specimen size: 5 × 4 × 2.9 cm = 2.0” × 1.6” × 1.1”

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


Twinned Rutile.
Twinned Rutile.
 
Libethenite
Libethenite. Front
Front
Libethenite. Top
Top

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).
The specimen has been reviewed, photographed and published in the magazine ‘Mineral up’ on page 26 in number 2008/2.
Rokana Mine, Kitwe  Zambia (11/1976)

Specimen size: 2.1 × 1.6 × 1.4 cm = 0.8” × 0.6” × 0.6”

Main crystal size: 1.1 × 1 cm = 0.4” × 0.4”


 
Libethenite

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 = 1.8” × 1.4” × 1.2”

Main crystal size: 1.5 × 1.4 cm = 0.6” × 0.6”


Libethenite. Libethenite.
 
Aegirine
Aegirine.
Aegirine

TN63H9: A nice miniature in which there are two main prismatic crystals with excellent terminations of acute pyramids. All crystals are very sharp and bright.
Previously in the Thomas Moore collection.
Mount Malosa, Zomba  Malawi

Specimen size: 3 × 2.7 × 1.3 cm = 1.2” × 1.1” × 0.5”

Main crystal size: 3.2 × 0.3 cm = 1.3” × 0.1”


 
Aegirine with Zircon and Feldspar

TM66Q1: Group of two crystals of Aegirine with very well defined faces and edges and greenish polycrystalline terminations, with small White crystals of Orthoclase and some clear brown crystals, one of them especially enhanced, of Zircon.
Mount Malosa, Zomba  Malawi (2000)

Specimen size: 5.9 × 2.4 × 2.7 cm = 2.3” × 0.9” × 1.1”

Main crystal size: 5.8 × 0.9 cm = 2.3” × 0.4”

Zircon minor fluorescence long & short UV


Aegirine with Zircon and Feldspar. Aegirine with Zircon and Feldspar.
 
Arfvedsonite with Albite
Arfvedsonite with Albite. Front
Front
Arfvedsonite with Albite. Rear
Rear
Arfvedsonite with Albite. Top
Top

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”

Albite fluorescent short UV


 
Eudidymite on doubly terminated Aegirine

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 = 2.5” × 1.6” × 0.7”

Main crystal size: 3 × 2.2 cm = 1.2” × 0.9”


Eudidymite on doubly terminated Aegirine. Front
Front
Eudidymite on doubly terminated Aegirine. Rear
Rear
Eudidymite on doubly terminated Aegirine. Side
Side
 
Eudidymite
Eudidymite. Front
Front
Eudidymite. Rear
Rear
Eudidymite. Side
Side

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 = 2.4” × 2.3” × 1.9”

Main crystal size: 6 × 4 cm = 2.4” × 1.6”


 
Barylite and Aegirine

TV87C9: Recently new Barylites were found in the famous Mt. Malosa mining area. They are much better than the others found on the past such as the Langban ones. From this great new find of an uncommon species we selected this specimen for its good combination with the Aegirine as well as for its nice form.
Mount Malosa, Zomba  Malawi (2002)

Specimen size: 2 × 1.6 × 1.3 cm = 0.8” × 0.6” × 0.5”

Main crystal size: 0.8 × 0.2 cm = 0.3” × 0.1”


Barylite and Aegirine.
 
Opal
Opal.

TB62Q0: A novelty at Tucson 2010. Opal on a matrix of dominant bluish shades with “harlequin” effect and green reflections. Although the Ethiopian Opal was previously known we note the detailed locality, so we can consider it a novelty.
Tsehay Mewcha, Wegeltena, Delanta, Wello  Ethiopia (10/2009)

Specimen size: 2.1 × 1.7  × 2 cm = 0.8” × 0.7” × 0.8”


 
Opal

TX63Q0: A novelty at Tucson 2010. Opal on a matrix of dominant bluish shades with “harlequin” effect and reddish, orange and green reflections. Although the Ethiopian Opal was previously known we note the detailed locality, so we can consider it a novelty.
Tsehay Mewcha, Wegeltena, Delanta, Wello  Ethiopia (10/2009)

Specimen size: 2.7 × 1.9 × 2.1 cm = 1.1” × 0.7” × 0.8”


Opal.
 
Microcline (Amazonite) with smoky Quartz
Microcline (Amazonite) with smoky Quartz.

MG12F6: The crystal has a sharp well-defined form, and it stands out from the matrix because of its great green color. It comes from a recently discovered locality (for mineral collectors that is)
Kenticha, Negele area, Sidamo  Ethiopia (2002)

Specimen size: 4.2 × 4 × 4.4 cm = 1.7” × 1.6” × 1.7”

Main crystal size: 3.7 × 3 cm = 1.5” × 1.2”

Fluorescent short UV


 
Microcline (Amazonite)

MF63F5: A really very interesting specimen. One can see how the Quartz and Microcline have grown together and then have continued until they end in the geometric faces of a crystal of Amazonite, which is also large, well defined, and has good color.
Kenticha, Negele area, Sidamo  Ethiopia (2002)

Specimen size: 8.5 × 5.7 × 4.2 cm = 3.3” × 2.2” × 1.7”

Minor fluorescence long & short UV


Microcline (Amazonite).
 
Corundum
Corundum.

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”

Fluorescent long UV & minor fluorescence short UV


 
Corundum with Biotite

TP37J3: Doubly terminated prismatic crystal, very rich of faces, combining prism, pyramid and pinacoid. Partly transparent, very bright and with a deep color between red and mauve. On Biotite matrix.
Zazafotsy Quarry, Ambahatraso, Ihosy, Fianarantsoa  Madagascar (2006)

Specimen size: 5.8 × 3.4 × 4.3 cm = 2.3” × 1.3” × 1.7”

Main crystal size: 2.2 × 0.9 cm = 0.9” × 0.4”

Minor fluorescence long & short UV


Corundum with Biotite.
Corundum with Biotite.
 
Corundum (Ruby) with Pyrope (Rhodolite) and Muscovite
Corundum (Ruby) with Pyrope (Rhodolite) and Muscovite. Front
Front
Corundum (Ruby) with Pyrope (Rhodolite) and Muscovite. Rear
Rear
Corundum (Ruby) with Pyrope (Rhodolite) and Muscovite. Top
Top

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 = 2.2” × 1.7” × 1.3”

Main crystal size: 1.8 × 1 cm = 0.7” × 0.4”

Minor fluorescence long & short UV


 
Corundum (Ruby) with Pyrope (Rhodolite) and Muscovite

MN69K8: A novelty from Munich 2007. Corundum crystal of sharp faces and edges, excellent terminations and good color. It shows different color shades depending of the type of light they receive, and has a marked zonation between red and blue-mauve. On the front crystal face you can see some curious concentric growth figures around a little triangular rhombohedron face. The matrix, very rich in Muscovite, also has abundant red growths of Pyrope (variety Rhodolite).
Zazafotsy Quarry, Ambahatraso, Ihosy, Fianarantsoa  Madagascar (10/2007)

Specimen size: 7.7 × 3.9 × 4.5 cm = 3.0” × 1.5” × 1.8”

Main crystal size: 1.6 × 1.5 cm = 0.6” × 0.6”

Minor fluorescence long & short UV


Corundum (Ruby) with Pyrope (Rhodolite) and Muscovite. Front
Front
Corundum (Ruby) with Pyrope (Rhodolite) and Muscovite. Side
Side
 
Corundum with Muscovite
Corundum with Muscovite.
Corundum with Muscovite.
Corundum with Muscovite.

MA74I1: Crystals are prismatic, very well developed. The main one is doubly terminated, with triangular growth pits on terminations. In addition to its quality and esthetics, we note its variable color mainly blue but with reddish zones. A new find at Munich 2006 because there were not specimens of such high quality from the locality.
Zazafotsy Quarry, Ambahatraso, Ihosy, Fianarantsoa  Madagascar (2006)

Specimen size: 9.5 × 8.1 × 5 cm = 3.7” × 3.2” × 2.0”

Main crystal size: 5.3 × 4.4 cm = 2.1” × 1.7”


 
Quartz with inclusions

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 = 2.7” × 0.6” × 0.5”


Quartz with inclusions.
 
Twinned Calcite
Twinned Calcite.

TA56G1: Fine specimen of the discovery in August 2004, in Madagascar, with the typical complex twin and excellent color, bright and clarity.
Sambava, Antsiranana  Madagascar (08/2004)

Specimen size: 4.3 × 4 × 3.5 cm = 1.7” × 1.6” × 1.4”

Extremely fluorescent long & short UV


 
Twinned Chrysoberyl on smoky Quartz

MC48H1: The specimen has some cyclic tabular twins of good color, luster and transparency and, which is very uncommon, they are on Quartz matrix.
Ampanorana Est, Ambatondrazaka  Madagascar (07/2005)

Specimen size: 4.4 × 1.5 × 1.4 cm = 1.7” × 0.6” × 0.6”

Main crystal size: 0.9 × 0.9 cm = 0.4” × 0.4”


Twinned Chrysoberyl on smoky Quartz. Front
Front
Twinned Chrysoberyl on smoky Quartz. Side
Side
 
Beryl with Muscovite
Beryl with Muscovite. Front
Front
Beryl with Muscovite. Left
Left
Beryl with Muscovite. Right
Right

TA62F3: A crystallographic rarity. The crystal is almost exclusively formed by the faces of at least three pyramids, while the prism is almost inexistent. One side is covered with Muscovite, which contrasts well with the deep blue-green of the Beryl. This all makes for a strongly esthetic specimen whose base is formed by the surfaces of its contact with the pocket.
Brieville, Vohambohitra, Tamatave  Madagascar (2003)

Specimen size: 7.7 × 6.3 × 6.9 cm = 3.0” × 2.5” × 2.7”


 
Liddicoatite

MT49G5: A floater crystal whose base is recrystallized. It has beautiful color zones, with a clear contrast between the inner red zone and the skin which varies from green to yellow. The lower termination is especially complex.
Anjanabonoina, Betafo, Antsirabι  Madagascar (04/2005)

Specimen size: 3.7 × 1.2 × 0.9 cm = 1.5” × 0.5” × 0.4”


Liddicoatite. Front
Front
Liddicoatite. Top
Top
Liddicoatite. Bottom
Bottom
 
Schiavinatoite with Elbaite, Danburite and smoky Quartz
Schiavinatoite with Elbaite, Danburite and smoky Quartz. Front
Front
Schiavinatoite with Elbaite, Danburite and smoky Quartz. Top
Top

EX92M2: Extraordinary parallel and well defined crystal growth of this extremely rare borate. In the same sample the Schiavinatoite is accompanied by Elbaite (Rubellite), Danburite and smoky Quartz. The specimen is from a recent find (2008) in the same region as the Type Locality.
Ampanodiana, Andrembesoa, Betafo, Antananarivo  Madagascar (2008)

Specimen size: 2 × 1.7 × 1.3 cm = 0.8” × 0.7” × 0.5”

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

Fluorescence on the matrix (short UV)


 
Spessartine with Kyanite and Mica

MG27N6: Trapezohedral crystal of Spessartine with very well defined faces and edges, translucent and having an excellent color and standing on a matrix of Mica with brownish Kyanite.
Sangulungulu Hill, Naan, Loliondo, Ngorongoro, Arusha region  Tanzania (2008)

Specimen size: 4 × 2.7 × 2 cm = 1.6” × 1.1” × 0.8”

Main crystal size: 2 × 1.6 cm = 0.8” × 0.6”


Spessartine with Kyanite and Mica. Front
Front
Spessartine with Kyanite and Mica. Top
Top
 
Spessartine with Mica
Spessartine with Mica. Front
Front
Spessartine with Mica. Side
Side

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”


 
Tantalite-(Mn)

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 ‘Minιraux 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 = 4.1” × 2.4” × 1.7”


Tantalite-(Mn). Front
Front
Tantalite-(Mn). Side
Side
Tantalite-(Mn). Top
Top
 
Beryl (Morganite)
Beryl (Morganite). Front
Front
Beryl (Morganite). Top
Top

TC28I1: Very short prismatic crystal with a perfect flat termination and the other showing dissolution shapes. The sharpness of faces and edges is excellent and so is the color, very deep.
Alto Ligonha  Mozambique

Specimen size: 5.8 × 4.4 × 2.5 cm = 2.3” × 1.7” × 1.0”


 
Grossular

ET13M3: A floater, a complete Grossular dodecahedron, beveled by trapezohedron faces. Crystal shows a very curious color zoning, creamy color and opaque on the edges and yellow to greenish and transparent in the center of the faces. A novelty, because this color zoning it was not seen before.
Mendiι Kossa, Arrondissement Goundara, Cercle de Bafoulabι, Kayes Region  Mali (2008)

Specimen size: 4.8 × 4.4 × 3.8 cm = 1.9” × 1.7” × 1.5”


Grossular. Grossular.
 


Andradite (Demantoid) from Ambanja

If you want to know more about the Andradite (Demantoid) from Ambanja please follow this link

Andradite (Demantoid)
Andradite (Demantoid).

EB14P2: A novelty in Ste. Marie 2009. A group of complex crystals formed by the dodecahedron and the trapezohedron, with very well defined faces and edges and a good color, luster and transparency. The locality was not well known until recently, and the habit of this Demantoid is really unusual.
Antetezambato, Ambanja, Diana, Antsiranana  Madagascar (05-06/2009)

Specimen size: 1.5 × 1.3 × 1.2 cm = 0.6” × 0.5” × 0.5”

Main crystal size: 0.8 × 0.7 cm = 0.3” × 0.3”


 
Andradite (Demantoid)

EQ66N8: 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.
This specimen was published in the magazine ‘Le Rθgne Minιral’ number 90, page 42.
Antetezambato, Ambanja, Diana, Antsiranana  Madagascar (05-06/2009)

Specimen size: 2.5 × 2.3 × 1.6 cm = 1.0” × 0.9” × 0.6”

Main crystal size: 1 × 0.7 cm = 0.4” × 0.3”


Andradite (Demantoid).
 
Andradite (Demantoid)
Andradite (Demantoid). Andradite (Demantoid).

EV57N8: 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.
This specimen was published in the magazine ‘Le Rθgne Minιral’ number 90, page 42.
Ambanja, Diana, Antsiranana  Madagascar (05-06/2009)

Specimen size: 4.4 × 3.6 × 2.8 cm = 1.7” × 1.4” × 1.1”

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


 
Andradite (Topazolite) with Stilbite

TP49Q0: A novelty at Tucson 2010. A druse on matrix of crystals very rich of faces, with the dominant forms of the dodecahedron and the trapezohedron and greenish brown color. Their luster is extraordinary and they are with small white crystals of Stilbite. The Topazolite variety has been well defined on this kind of sample and this will be reflected in a future article in Mineralogical Record.
Antetezambato, Ambanja, Diana, Antsiranana  Madagascar (05-06/2009)

Specimen size: 4.7 × 3.2 × 2.3 cm = 1.9” × 1.3” × 0.9”

Main crystal size: 1.2 × 0.9 cm = 0.5” × 0.4”


Andradite (Topazolite) with Stilbite.
 


Rhodizite

Madagascar is the major source of Rhodizite, a rare Beryllium Oxide, with Caesium, Potassium and Aluminium. From our friends in this country we got choice specimens that have better color (more greenish and intense) than is usual.

Rhodizite
Rhodizite.

AA76F3: The dodecahedral crystals are yellow and intensely brilliant. They also have a degree of transparency that is not very common. This one has just the right amount of matrix to give it the perfect esthetic balance.
The specimen has been analyzed and we will send a copy of the analysis to the person that buys it.

Antsogombato, Antsirabe  Madagascar (2001)

Specimen size: 3.2 × 2.4 × 2 cm = 1.3” × 0.9” × 0.8”

Main crystal size: 2 × 1 cm = 0.8” × 0.4”

Minor fluorescence long & short UV


 


Pezzottaite

One of the most interesting novelties during Tucson 2003 was the new species Pezzottaite from Madagascar (a Cesium rich Beryl whose name has already been officially published in the IMA list). Their color is totally different from other Beryl and their chemical composition (CsLiBe2Al2Si6O18) is also different from that of regular Beryl. As usual, knowing how things happen in the mineral world, we purchased the specimens now offered on line. We selected them for their sharp form, good color or especially in the case of the best one for its 'matrix' appearance.

Pezzottaite

TY89L1: Well defined tabular Pezzottaite crystal of this rare specimen. The crystal is clearly dominated by pinacoidal faces, a very thin prism and a pyramid. Great specimen with good size, excellent color and transparency.
Ambatovita, Mandrosonoro, Antsirabe  Madagascar (11/2002)

Specimen size: 2 × 1.9 × 0.7 cm = 0.8” × 0.7” × 0.3”


Pezzottaite. Front
Front
Pezzottaite. Rear
Rear
 
Pezzottaite
Pezzottaite.

TC9C4: Floater, as were the majority of the specimens of this find, pretty gemmy and sharper and better formed than the majority.
Ambatovita, Mandrosonoro, Antsirabe  Madagascar (11/2002)

Specimen size: 1.6 × 1.2 × 0.6 cm = 0.6” × 0.5” × 0.2”


 
Pezzottaite

TD37C4: Well, this particular specimen is something special. In this find sadly not many good specimens were found on matrix. Although this specimen is not strictly "on matrix" given its particular form it looks like a matrix specimen. Color quality and geminness are those of the best of the find. The size is good when comparing it with the largest ones. Its price is, in our opinion, reasonable based on the prices for other really good specimens.
Ambatovita, Mandrosonoro, Antsirabe  Madagascar (11/2002)

Specimen size: 3 × 2.6 × 0.9 cm = 1.2” × 1.0” × 0.4”


Pezzottaite.
 


Rutile and Hematite pseudomorph after Ilmenite crystals

Very interesting novelty of 2007 Munich Show: trigonal crystals of Ilmenite transformed into an intimate intergrowth of Rutile and Hematite. Microscopic examination shows that Rutile (reddish) occurs as a delicate network of needles which are oriented parallel to the basal sections of the former Ilmenite, while Hematite (black) forms the interstices.
If you want to know more about Rutile and Hematite pseudomorph after Ilmenite please follow this link

Rutile and Hematite pseudomorph after Ilmenite
Rutile and Hematite pseudomorph after Ilmenite. Front
Front
Rutile and Hematite pseudomorph after Ilmenite. Rear
Rear

MG62K7: Epitaxial growth of red brilliant twinned Rutile on a tabular former Ilmenite crystal pseudomorphed by Rutile and Hematite. The former Ilmenite is showing well-marked geometrical forms.
The specimen's photo has been reviewed and published in the magazine ‘Rocks & Minerals’ on page 174 in the volume 85, number 2.
Mwinilunga  Zambia (05/2007)

Specimen size: 5.6 × 2.9 × 1.5 cm = 2.2” × 1.1” × 0.6”

With a copy of its analysis.


 
Rutile and Hematite pseudomorph after Ilmenite

MC9K7: Epitaxial growth of red brilliant twinned Rutile on a doubly tabular former Ilmenite crystal pseudomorphed by Rutile and Hematite.
This specimen was published on the Mineralogical Record΄s web page, in the ‘What's New’ section of the January 18, 2008 edition.
Mwinilunga  Zambia (05/2007)

Specimen size: 3.8 × 3.3 × 2 cm = 1.5” × 1.3” × 0.8”

With a copy of its analysis.


Rutile and Hematite pseudomorph after Ilmenite. Front
Front
Rutile and Hematite pseudomorph after Ilmenite. Rear
Rear
 
Rutile and Hematite pseudomorph after Ilmenite
Rutile and Hematite pseudomorph after Ilmenite. Front
Front
Rutile and Hematite pseudomorph after Ilmenite. Rear
Rear

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 = 1.4” × 1.0” × 0.9”

Main crystal size: 2.8 × 2.2 cm = 1.1” × 0.9”

With a copy of its analysis.


 


Carrollite

Between 2001 and 2003 Congo has given us fabulous Carrollites, which were much better than the older ones. We got hold of many nice specimens that sold well on our web pages. We still run into them when buying from our normal sources and we still see some good specimens which we can offer on our website. Thus we can continue to offer this excellent mineralogical species.

Carrollite with Calcite

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 = 2.0” × 1.9” × 1.4”

Main crystal size: 1.2 × 1.1 cm = 0.5” × 0.4”


Carrollite with Calcite. Carrollite with Calcite.
 
Carrollite on Calcite
Carrollite on Calcite. Carrollite on Calcite.

TD51G0: The crystal is near perfection. Dominated by the cube and the octahedron, it is especially interesting for its brightness and its esthetic position on the Calcite matrix.
Kamoya South Mine, Kambove  Congo D.R. (2001)

Specimen size: 4 × 4 × 3 cm = 1.6” × 1.6” × 1.2”

Main crystal size: 1.6 × 1.4 cm = 0.6” × 0.6”


 
Carrollite on Calcite

TU2B6: It is not common to find an octahedral form in a very sharp and brilliant undamaged crystal (Calcite covers its natural crack) Minor Chalcopyrite as well.
Kamoya South Mine, Kambove  Congo D.R. (08-09 / 2001)

Specimen size: 2.5 × 2.4 cm = 1.0” × 0.9”

Main crystal size: 1.6 × 1.3 cm = 0.6” × 0.5”


Carrollite on Calcite.
 


Brandberg's area Quartz

Quartz (Amethyst) "phantom"
Quartz (Amethyst) "phantom". Front
Front
Quartz (Amethyst) "phantom". Rear
Rear
Quartz (Amethyst) "phantom". Top
Top

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 = 3.0” × 0.9” × 0.7”


 
Quartz (Amethyst) and Epidote

TD13J5: Magnificent crystal, very well defined and bright with an esthetic graded change of color clearer at the base and deeper on the termination with zoning. An important aspect is that it is on matrix, which is very rare with samples from this region. Even it had (badly) been popularized as Brandberg, the true locality is Gobobos, another nearest volcano.
The specimen is from the Charlie Key collection.
Gobobos Volcano, Gobobosebberge  Namibia

Specimen size: 10.3 × 7 × 3.8 cm = 4.1” × 2.8” × 1.5”

Main crystal size: 7.4 × 1.9 cm = 2.9” × 0.7”


Quartz (Amethyst) and Epidote.
Quartz (Amethyst) and Epidote.
 


Olmiite

From the great Olmiite finds made in N'Chwaning Mine we offer this further material. The quality is, as you can see, much better than the Poldervaartites found in the Wessels Mine. Notably the color is much more intense and redder. On the subject of the color it is necessary to warn you that some of these new Olmiites show an intense color change depending of the kind of light used: in day light they become yellowish but in artificial light they are a spectacular strawberry red color.

Olmiite
Olmiite. Fluorescent light (day light)
Fluorescent light (day light)
Olmiite. Bulb light
Bulb light

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  South Africa (01/2002)

Specimen size: 3.3 × 2.3 × 1.3 cm = 1.3” × 0.9” × 0.5”

Main crystal size: 1.6 × 1 cm = 0.6” × 0.4”

Fluorescent long & short UV

Type locality


 
Olmiite

EQ6E8: Two complex crystals placed on their matrix to give a very aerial sample. It stands out for the sharpness of the crystal form, which is prismatic and double–pyramid, which is not that common in Kuruman. While the color is a little less intense than other samples it is compensated for by the intense brilliance, which is due to the large number of flat faces on the crystals.
N'chwaning II Mine, section 5 south, stope 46-47 roof, Kuruman, Kalahari  South Africa (01/2002)

Specimen size: 2.8 × 2.6 × 1.9 cm = 1.1” × 1.0” × 0.7”

Main crystal size: 1.3 × 0.9 cm = 0.5” × 0.4”

Fluorescent long & short UV

Type locality


Olmiite. Fluorescent light (day light)
Fluorescent light (day light)
Olmiite. Bulb light
Bulb light
 
Olmiite
Olmiite.

ME16: Lovely specimen with two complete balls well placed on their matrix, just with two attachment points on the rear. Showing an extremely intense red color under spot light and also a moderate reddish tint to the yellowish color under day light. Definitive, for collectors searching for a major specimen.
N'chwaning II Mine, section 5 south, stope 46-47 roof, Kuruman, Kalahari  South Africa (01/2002)

Specimen size: 6 × 3.5 × 4 cm = 2.4” × 1.4” × 1.6”

Fluorescent long & short UV

Type locality


 
Olmiite with Calcite

TM98D8: Recently new Olmiites were found in N'chwaning. The color is a little more orange than the first ones, and the crystals are a little bit smaller. But these ones are on a matrix of small crystals of gemmy Calcite, making the whole specimen esthetically pleasing. The prices are also lower than they were for the first ones, so we think they are a good deal. In this case the crystals of Poldervaarite are well positioned on the matrix, nicely separated, aerial, and have good contrast with the matrix.
N'Chwaning II Mine, Kuruman, Kalahari  South Africa (11/2003)

Specimen size: 8.2 × 6.3 × 2.2 cm = 3.2” × 2.5” × 0.9”

Main crystal size: 1.7 × 1.2 cm = 0.7” × 0.5”

Extremely fluorescent long & short UV

Type locality


Olmiite with Calcite.
 
Olmiite
Olmiite. Olmiite.

ME89M5: 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, Kalahari  South Africa (10/2008)

Specimen size: 6.6 × 5.8 × 5.2 cm = 2.6” × 2.3” × 2.0”

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

Fluorescence short UV & low fluorescence long UV

Type locality


 
Olmiite

MH31M5: A novelty of Munich 2008. The sample forms globular growths of well defined terminations of crystals. The deeper color is similar to the older pieces, classified then as Poldervaartite.
This specimen was photographed for the ‘what’s new at Munich 2008’ section of the magazine ‘Mineralien Welt’ and appears on page 18 of number 1/2009.
N'Chwaning II Mine, 45 level, Kuruman, Kalahari  South Africa (10/2008)

Specimen size: 9.2 × 5.8 × 3 cm = 3.6” × 2.3” × 1.2”

Main crystal size: 2.8 × 2.1 cm = 1.1” × 0.8”

Fluorescence short UV & low fluorescence long UV

Type locality


Olmiite.
Olmiite.
 


FROM THE DESMOND SACCO COLLECTION


Gaudefroyite
Gaudefroyite.

TG36Q5: Group of doubly terminated crystals, perfectly defined. They are formed by the prism and the dipyramid, with an excellent luster. Crystal size is notable for the species.
Black Rock Mine, Black Rock, Kalahari  South Africa

Specimen size: 1.8 × 1.3 × 0.9 cm = 0.7” × 0.5” × 0.4”

Main crystal size: 1.4 × 0.5 cm = 0.6” × 0.2”

Former Desmond Sacco collection


 
Gaudefroyite with Andradite and Barite

TT68Q3: Black bright thin prismatic crystals of Gaudefroyite with very well defined faces and edges and excellent terminations. They are with a sharp white Barite crystal and are on a matrix coated by small crystals of deep colored Andradite.
Black Rock Mine, Black Rock, Kalahari  South Africa (1987)

Specimen size: 8.7 × 6.2 × 3.4 cm = 3.4” × 2.4” × 1.3”

Main crystal size: 0.7 × 0.2 cm = 0.3” × 0.1”

Former Desmond Sacco collection


Gaudefroyite with Andradite and Barite.
Gaudefroyite with Andradite and Barite. Gaudefroyite with Andradite and Barite.
 
Shigaite on Rhodochrosite
Shigaite on Rhodochrosite. Shigaite on Rhodochrosite.

TY47Q3: Laminar crystals of this rare species. They have a sharp hexagonal shape, deep red-brown color and they are translucent and very bright. On Rhodochrosite matrix.
N'Chwaning I Mine, Kuruman, Kalahari  South Africa (1996)

Specimen size: 3.7 × 2.9 × 1.8 cm = 1.5” × 1.1” × 0.7”

Main crystal size: 0.3 × 0.2 cm = 0.1” × 0.1”

Former Desmond Sacco collection

Rhodochrosite fluorescent long & short UV


 
Shigaite on Rhodochrosite

TB69Q3: Tabular crystals of this rare species. They have a hexagonal shape, intense red brown color, deeper near the edges of the crystals, from translucent to transparent and very bright. On Rhodochrosite matrix.
N'Chwaning I Mine, Kuruman, Kalahari  South Africa (1996)

Specimen size: 3.3 × 2.7 × 1.4 cm = 1.3” × 1.1” × 0.6”

Main crystal size: 0.5 × 0.3 cm = 0.2” × 0.1”

Former Desmond Sacco collection

Rhodochrosite fluorescent long & short UV


Shigaite on Rhodochrosite. Shigaite on Rhodochrosite.
 
Inesite with Natrolite
Inesite with Natrolite. Front
Front
Inesite with Natrolite. Top
Top

TM47Q3: A radial group of Inesite crystals. They have an intense orange-red color on a group of white crystals of Natrolite with good terminations and on matrix.
N'Chwaning II Mine, Kuruman, Kalahari  South Africa (±1985)

Specimen size: 5 × 3.5 × 4.7 cm = 2.0” × 1.4” × 1.9”

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

Former Desmond Sacco collection


 
Inesite with Calcite

TR50Q5: Globular growth of acicular crystals. It has very deep color and small groups of very acute scalenohedral crystals of Calcite.
N'Chwaning II Mine, Kuruman, Kalahari  South Africa

Specimen size: 6.9 × 4.2 × 2.9 cm = 2.7” × 1.7” × 1.1”

Former Desmond Sacco collection

Calcite fluorescent long & short UV


Inesite with Calcite. Inesite with Calcite.
 
Rhodochrosite with Manganite
Rhodochrosite with Manganite.

TK98Q3: The crystals of the piece have a very uncommon habit, formed of subparallel polycrystalline aggregates with very well marked color zoning with a clearer strip in the center. They are on Manganite matrix. The sample is from the well known find of 1978.
N'Chwaning I Mine, Kuruman, Kalahari  South Africa (1978)

Specimen size: 2.4 × 1.6 × 1.1 cm = 0.9” × 0.6” × 0.4”

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

Former Desmond Sacco collection


 
Rhodochrosite with Manganite

TB97Q3: Group of scalenohedral crystal with the exceptional deep red color that has made the Kuruman Rhodochrosite famous. The crystals are very bright and are on Manganite matrix. The sample is from the well known find of 1978.
N'Chwaning I Mine, Kuruman, Kalahari  South Africa (1978)

Specimen size: 2.5 × 1.9 × 1.2 cm = 1.0” × 0.7” × 0.5”

Main crystal size: 1 × 0.4 cm = 0.4” × 0.2”

Former Desmond Sacco collection


Rhodochrosite with Manganite.
 
Copper with Calcite
Copper with Calcite.

TH26Q3: Very aerial dendritic growth of cubic crystals, some of them sharp and with very well defined faces and edges, with a transparent rhombohedral crystal of Calcite crowning the piece.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia

Specimen size: 2.2 × 2.2 × 2.1 cm = 0.9” × 0.9” × 0.8”

Main crystal size: 0.3 × 0.2 cm = 0.1” × 0.1”

Former Desmond Sacco collection

Calcite fluorescent short UV


 
Wulfenite with Azurite and Dolomite

TR27Q3: Yellow laminar crystals of Wulfenite on a matrix coated by very small crystals of Azurite and rhombohedral crystals of Dolomite.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia

Specimen size: 8 × 3.4 × 2 cm = 3.1” × 1.3” × 0.8”

Main crystal size: 0.8 × 0.5 cm = 0.3” × 0.2”

Former Desmond Sacco collection


Wulfenite with Azurite and Dolomite. Wulfenite with Azurite and Dolomite.
 
Rosasite with Calcite
Rosasite with Calcite. Rosasite with Calcite.

TK46Q6: Very bright spheroidal growths of Rosasite. They are translucent and have an extraordinary and surprising very deep blue color and with rhombohedral crystals of Calcite. We’ll send a copy of the analysis.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia

Specimen size: 3.1 × 2.2 × 2.1 cm = 1.2” × 0.9” × 0.8”

Former Desmond Sacco collection


 
Rhodochrosite with Tsumcorite and Galena

TF89Q6: Scalenohedral crystals of Rhodochrosite, very infrequent in Tsumeb, of intense pink color, implanted on a matrix rich of Galena and Yellow crystals of Tsumcorite. We’ll send a copy of the analysis.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia

Specimen size: 4 × 2.7 × 2.2 cm = 1.6” × 1.1” × 0.9”

Main crystal size: 1.1 × 0.6 cm = 0.4” × 0.2”

Minor fluorescence short UV

Former Desmond Sacco collection


Rhodochrosite with Tsumcorite and Galena. Rhodochrosite with Tsumcorite and Galena.
 
Cuprian Adamite
Cuprian Adamite. Front
Front
Cuprian Adamite. Side
Side
Cuprian Adamite.

TV97Q3: Unusually individualized crystals with very well defined faces and edges, some of them doubly terminated, with excellent terminations. On Limonite matrix.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia

Specimen size: 4.3 × 3.2 × 2.9 cm = 1.7” × 1.3” × 1.1”

Main crystal size: 0.6 × 0.3 cm = 0.2” × 0.1”

Former Desmond Sacco collection


 
Cerussite with Dioptase

TF47Q3: Group of twinned crystals of Cerussite with very well defined faces and edges. It is very bright, transparent, with a very nice smoky color and is on a matrix with doubly terminated crystals of Dioptase. An excellent, very uncommon, association.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia

Specimen size: 2.9 × 1.6 × 1.4 cm = 1.1” × 0.6” × 0.6”

Former Desmond Sacco collection

Minor fluorescence short UV


Cerussite with Dioptase.
 
Dioptase with Calcite
Dioptase with Calcite. Front
Front
Dioptase with Calcite. Rear
Rear

TF47Q5: Group of crystals on matrix, some of them doubly terminated, with very well defined faces and edges. Furthermore, they have excellent luster and color.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia

Specimen size: 3.4 × 2.9 × 1.9 cm = 1.3” × 1.1” × 0.7”

Main crystal size: 0.9 × 0.3 cm = 0.4” × 0.1”

Former Desmond Sacco collection

Calcite fluorescent long & short UV


 
Calcite with Duftite

TR46Q3: Very aerial group of very well defined rhombohedral crystals with a lot of their edges fringed by green globular growths of Duftite.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia

Specimen size: 3.2 × 2.2 × 2.2 cm = 1.3” × 0.9” × 0.9”

Main crystal size: 1.3 × 1 cm = 0.5” × 0.4”

Former Desmond Sacco collection

Fluorescence short UV & low fluorescence long UV


Calcite with Duftite. Front
Front
Calcite with Duftite. Rear
Rear
 


TSUMEB


Cuprite with Dolomite
Cuprite with Dolomite. Front
Front
Cuprite with Dolomite. Front
Front
Cuprite with Dolomite.
Cuprite with Dolomite

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”

Dolomite fluorescent short UV


 
Azurite with Malachite

LD94F3: A real classic, formed by a group of a large number of prismatic, brilliant, strongly colored crystals, some of which are doubly terminated. The added Malachite, in some cases forming pseudomorphs of the Azurite, increases the esthetics.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia

Specimen size: 10 × 6 × 3 cm = 3.9” × 2.4” × 1.2”

Main crystal size: 2.2 × 0.4 cm = 0.9” × 0.2”


Azurite with Malachite.
Azurite with Malachite.
 
Malachite after Azurite
Malachite after Azurite. Malachite after Azurite.

TB88D7: What form! Just as esthetic as the photo suggests, this is a floater which comes from a highly respected private collection. You can really see the good taste of the former owner: a real beauty!
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia

Specimen size: 5.5 × 4.8 × 2.8 cm = 2.2” × 1.9” × 1.1”

Main crystal size: 3 × 1.3 cm = 1.2” × 0.5”


 
Calcite with Duftite

NB870D1: A funny Calcite with its corners partially covered by intensely green Duftite. Original and esthetic. Perfect specimen, especially for a collector searching for something different, but not ugly!
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia

Specimen size: 17 × 10.5 × 6 cm = 6.7” × 4.1” × 2.4”

Calcite extremely fluorescent long & short UV


Calcite with Duftite.
 
Smithsonite (Cadmium)
Smithsonite (Cadmium).

EG82: Cadmium rich Smithsonite, displaying very well with its hook appearance and its delicate orange color, due to the presence of Cadmium. An uncommon find in Tsumeb.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia

Specimen size: 5.4 × 4.3 × 4.6 cm = 2.1” × 1.7” × 1.8”


 
Dioptase

N12YA0: Dioptase in Calcite, very esthetic. The Dioptase is an excellent color.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia

Specimen size: 6.4 × 5.5 × 2.7 cm = 2.5” × 2.2” × 1.1”

Main crystal size: 1 × 0.5 cm = 0.4” × 0.2”


Dioptase. Dioptase.
 
Dioptase on Calcite
Dioptase on Calcite.
Dioptase on Calcite.

JM96F0: A crystal made up of the typical combination of a hexagonal prism and sharp rhombohedron. The color and brilliance are excellent, it is very aerial, and it stands on a matrix of Dolomite, which means that you can easily see the way the faces have grown.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia

Specimen size: 5.5 × 3.5 × 4 cm = 2.2” × 1.4” × 1.6”

Main crystal size: 0.8 × 0.5 cm = 0.3” × 0.2”

Calcite fluorescent long & short UV


 
Cerussite
Cerussite

MD16I2: Parallel growth of twinned crystals, very clear and bright, on matrix.
The specimen is from J.S.White collection and we’ll send the label with the sample.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia

Specimen size: 5 × 3 × 3.3 cm = 2.0” × 1.2” × 1.3”

Main crystal size: 2.8 × 2.5 cm = 1.1” × 1.0”

Fluorescent short UV


Cerussite.
 
Cerussite with Anglesite
Cerussite with Anglesite.
Cerussite with Anglesite.

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”

Fluorescent long & short UV


 
Hydrocerussite

T59NY: An extraordinary large crystal of Cerussite which stands out well from the matrix and completely covered with Hydrocerussite. Very esthetic, a landmark specimen.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia (1978)

Specimen size: 6 × 5 cm = 2.4” × 2.0”


Hydrocerussite.
 
Wulfenite and Copper
Wulfenite and Copper.
Wulfenite and Copper.

TK96D8: Complete perfection and great originality is this sample that has a very rare association of Wulfenite and native Copper together with yet another mineral – Mimetite. Everything is perfect, high quality and esthetic. Really great!
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia

Specimen size: 3.9 × 3.6 × 1.8 cm = 1.5” × 1.4” × 0.7”

Main crystal size: 0.7 cm = 0.3”


 
Olivenite

MB79D6: This specimen has crystals of Olivenite all over it, but in the center there is pocket with thick, brilliant, and intense beautiful green crystals. More beautiful that one can really expect for an infrequent mineral
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia

Specimen size: 5.2 × 3.4 × 2.8 cm = 2.0” × 1.3” × 1.1”

Main crystal size: 1 × 0.4 cm = 0.4” × 0.2”


Olivenite. Olivenite.
 
Willemite
Willemite. Willemite.

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”

Intense fluorescence short UV & fluorescent long UV


 
Copper

EA27: Excellent Copper complex crystal form, floater, complete in all sides, with a little bit of iridescent color giving more esthetics (and color stability) to the specimen.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb  Namibia (08-09/82)

Specimen size: 11 × 7.7 × 1.4 cm = 4.3” × 3.0” × 0.6”


Copper.
 



  Previous Page Previous Page Next Page Next Page Page top

Back to Index of the Reference Specimens

 
USA (RS)
US
Minerals (RS)
Mexico - Canada (RS)
Mexico & Canada
Minerals (RS)
Spain (general) (RS)
Spanish
Minerals (RS)
Spanish Fluorite (RS)
Spanish Fluorite (RS)
Portugal - Panasqueira (RS)
Portugal - Panasqueira (RS)
Rumania (RS)
Rumanian
Minerals (RS)
Europe (excl. Spain, Portugal and Rumania) (RS)
European
Minerals (RS)
FSU (RS)
FSU
Minerals (RS)
Morocco (RS)
Moroccan
Minerals (RS)
Africa (excl. Morocco) - Tsumeb (RS)
African
Minerals (RS)
Brazil (RS)
Brazilian
Minerals (RS)
South America (excl. Brazil) (RS)
South American
Minerals (RS)
China (RS)
Chinese
Minerals (RS)
Asia - Australia (RS)
Asia & Australia
Minerals (RS)
Oliete Collection (RS)
The Oliete
Collection (RS)
The Jan Buma Collections (RS)
The Jan Buma
Collections (RS)
The Silvane Collection (RS)
The Silvane
Collection (RS)
The Pedro Goy Collection (RS)
The Pedro Goy
Collection (RS)
  The Folch Collection (RS)
The Folch
Collection (RS)
Home Page<br />Reference Specimens (RS)
Home Page
Reference Specimens (RS)
Best Specimens (RS)
Best Specimens (RS)
Home Page Minerals
Home Page
Minerals
 
Home page - Minerals  About us  Client Comments  Forum  Order Form  Feedback Form  Search  
Home
page
Minerals
 About
us
 Client
Comments
 Forum Order
Form
 Feedback
Form
 Search