Reference Specimens
Africa (excl. Morocco) - Tsumeb

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Photos by Fabre Minerals. Under Creative Commons license

This page provides a selection of the specimens that have passed through the Fabre Minerals website and, due to their quality,
rarity, or significance as specimens from interesting locations, have been preserved as reference specimens in #MVM


South Africa

Bixbyite with Hausmannite and Celestine
Bixbyite with Hausmannite and Celestine. Bixbyite with Hausmannite and Celestine.
 

ET48AM4: Group of pseudocubic Bixbyite crystals, large for the species, lustrous, on matrix and associated with small, very lustrous, octahedral Hausmannite crystals.
The specimen is from the Peter Rosewarne collection (number Rc899), whose label we will send to the buyer.
N'Chwaning III Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (2011)

Specimen size: 10 × 7.4 × 4.6 cm = 3.94” × 2.91” × 1.81”

Main crystal size: 2.3 × 2.2 cm = 0.91” × 0.87”

Former collection of Peter Rosewarne
Calcite (variety Mn-bearing calcite) with Manganite

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

BLB97AO8: Centered groups of elongated Calcite crystals with excellent terminations, between transparent and translucent, with good luster and an intense pink color. On matrix, with black Manganite microcrystals.
Both the Calcite and Manganite have been analyzed and we will send a copy of the analysis to the buyer. The specimen comes from an important European collection.
N'Chwaning I Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa

Specimen size: 9.8 × 6.3 × 5.5 cm = 3.86” × 2.48” × 2.17”

With analysis copy
Calcite (variety Mn-bearing calcite) with Manganite. Front
Front
Calcite (variety Mn-bearing calcite) with Manganite. Rear
Rear
Celestine
Celestine. Front
Front
Celestine. Rear
Rear
 

MH27R8: Esthetic growth of two groups of elongated radiating prismatic crystals with very acute terminations. The crystals, bright and of uniform clear sky blue color, are on a small matrix.
N'Chwaning II Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (2009)

Specimen size: 8.5 × 8 × 4.5 cm = 3.35” × 3.15” × 1.77”

Main crystal size: 4.5 × 0.9 cm = 1.77” × 0.35”

Bultfonteinite with Hydroxyapophyllite-(K) and Calcite
 

EZ56R1: Fanlike groups of snowy white acicular crystals of Bultfonteinite replacing the faces of short elongated crystals of Hydroxyapophyllite-(K) which has a pseudocubic habit. In some cases the replacement is deeper and forms a more or less complete pseudomorph of the preexisting Hydroxyapophyllite-(K). All are on a matrix of clear, complex, crystals of Calcite. We’ll send a copy of the analysis to the buyer of the piece.
N'Chwaning II Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (2006)

Specimen size: 8 × 8 × 6 × cm = 3.15” × 3.15” × 2.36”

Main crystal size: 1.5 × 1.2 cm = 0.59” × 0.47”

Bultfonteinite with Hydroxyapophyllite-(K) and Calcite. Bultfonteinite with Hydroxyapophyllite-(K) and Calcite.
Hydroxyapophyllite-(K)
Hydroxyapophyllite-(K).
 

MZ14D5: The N'Chwaning Mine is famous for its fine Rhodos but it also produces curious Hydroxyapophyllite-(K) 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, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (2001)

Specimen size: 7 × 3.5 × 3 cm = 2.76” × 1.38” × 1.18”

Main crystal size: 1 × 1 cm = 0.39” × 0.39”

Gaudefroyite with Baryte
 

MF86Y9: Irregular aggregate of very sharp Gaudefroyite crystals that are very aerial, bright and are with small white Baryte crystals.
This specimen's photo has been reviewed and published in the magazine ‘Mineralogical Record’ on page 39 in the volume 48, number 1 (January-February 2017)
N'Chwaning II Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa

Specimen size: 4.2 × 2.6 × 1.8 cm = 1.65” × 1.02” × 0.71”

Main crystal size: 1.8 × 0.3 cm = 0.71” × 0.12”

Former collection of Piroska Magyar
Gaudefroyite with Baryte. Gaudefroyite with Baryte.
Hausmannite with Bementite
Hausmannite with Bementite. Hausmannite with Bementite.
 

ML14AM6: Octahedral Hausmannite crystal with very sharp and shiny polycrystalline growths, on a matrix of Bementite crystals. We will send the buyer the specimen in its original perky box from the Robert J. Noble collection, which also contains the label.
N'Chwaning II Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa

Specimen size: 2.1 × 1.3 × 1.7 cm = 0.83” × 0.51” × 0.67”

Main crystal size: 1.7 × 1.3 cm = 0.67” × 0.51”

Former collection of Bob Noble
Hausmannite
 

TAT47AO3: Group of octahedral Hausmannite crystals of good size, with polycrystalline growths, lustrous and very aerial.
We will send the buyer the specimen in its original Perky box from the Robert J. (Bob) Noble collection, which also contains the label.
N'Chwaning II Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa

Specimen size: 3.1 × 2.7 × 2.1 cm = 1.22” × 1.06” × 0.83”

Main crystal size: 1.4 × 1.1 cm = 0.55” × 0.43”

Former collection of Bob Noble
Hausmannite. Hausmannite.
Hausmannite
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, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa

Specimen size: 3.5 × 3.2 × 3.3 cm = 1.38” × 1.26” × 1.30”

Calcite extremely fluorescent long & short UV
Hausmannite with Celestine
 

ET29Y5: Irregular aggregate of very sharp octahedral crystals, extraordinarily bright, on matrix and with small groups of white Celestine crystals.
N'Chwaning II Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa

Specimen size: 6.7 × 5.3 × 2.9 cm = 2.64” × 2.09” × 1.14”

Main crystal size: 0.3 × 0.3 cm = 0.12” × 0.12”

Hausmannite with Celestine. Hausmannite with Celestine.
Bultfonteinite with Hydroxyapophyllite-(K) and Calcite
Bultfonteinite with Hydroxyapophyllite-(K) and Calcite. Bultfonteinite with Hydroxyapophyllite-(K) and Calcite.
 

EC56R1: Fanlike groups of snowy white acicular crystals of Bultfonteinite replacing the faces of short elongated crystals of Hydroxyapophyllite-(K) which has a pseudocubic habit. In some cases the replacement is deeper and forms a more or less complete pseudomorph of the preexisting Hydroxyapophyllite-(K). All are on a matrix of clear, complex, crystals of Calcite. We’ll send a copy of the analysis to the buyer of the piece.
N'Chwaning II Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (2006)

Specimen size: 8.5 × 3.4 × 2.5 cm = 3.35” × 1.34” × 0.98”

Main crystal size: 1.2 × 1 cm = 0.47” × 0.39”

Hematite
 

MM46AN0: Complex floater Hematite crystal, very rich in crystal forms, with an extraordinarily bright luster.
We will ship the specimen in its original Perky box from the Robert J. Noble collection, which also contains the label.
N'Chwaning II Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa

Specimen size: 2.7 × 2.4 × 1.5 cm = 1.06” × 0.94” × 0.59”

Former collection of Bob Noble
Hematite. Front
Front
Hematite. Side
Side
Inesite with Baryte
Inesite with Baryte. Inesite with Baryte.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

BLM88AQ1: Radial groups of acicular Inesite crystals, translucent and with an intense pink, almost red color. On matrix, with thick tabular crystals of transparent and colorless Baryte.
N'Chwaning I Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa

Specimen size: 8.7 × 4.7 × 2.6 cm = 3.43” × 1.85” × 1.02”

Main crystal size: 0.3 × 0.1 cm = 0.12” × 0.04”

Jacobsite with Calcite and Andradite
 

TL11Z1: A novelty at Tucson 2013. Groups of sharp, brilliant, well defined octahedral crystals on a matrix of Calcite crystals with small Andradite crystals. The Jacobsite crystals strongly contrast with the white Calcite and make this specimen nicer than usual.
N'Chwaning III Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (±08/2012)

Specimen size: 3.8 × 2.9 × 2.8 cm = 1.50” × 1.14” × 1.10”

Main crystal size: 0.1 × 0.1 cm = 0.04” × 0.04”

Calcite minor fluorescence long & short UV
Jacobsite with Calcite and Andradite.
Jacobsite with Calcite and Andradite
Jacobsite with Calcite and Andradite. Jacobsite with Calcite and Andradite.
 

TA47Z9: Groups of sharp, bright and well defined octahedral crystals on a matrix of scalenohedral Calcite crystals with small Andradite crystals. The Jacobsite crystals strongly contrast with the white Calcite and make this specimen nicer than samples from other finds. We will send a copy of the Jacobsite and Andradite analyses to the buyer.
N'Chwaning III Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (±08/2012)

Specimen size: 7.2 × 5.1 × 4.2 cm = 2.83” × 2.01” × 1.65”

Main crystal size: 0.1 × 0.1 cm = 0.04” × 0.04”

Calcite fluorescent short UV
Pectolite
 

NM66AL0: Double fan-like growth of white acicular crystals, with good terminations visible with a loupe, and with a satin luster.
N'Chwaning II Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa

Specimen size: 6.3 × 5.8 × 1.8 cm = 2.48” × 2.28” × 0.71”

Pectolite. Front
Front
Pectolite. Rear
Rear
Pectolite. Side
Side
Shigaite on Rhodochrosite
Shigaite on Rhodochrosite. Shigaite on Rhodochrosite.
 

ML68AC5: Laminar crystals of this rare species. They have a sharp hexagonal shape, deep red-brown color and they are translucent, very bright, and are implanted on a matrix of Rhodochrosite crystals with a very intense luster and color and mainly formed by the prism and the scalenohedron.
N'Chwaning I Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (2006)

Specimen size: 5 × 3.3 × 1.3 cm = 1.97” × 1.30” × 0.51”

Main crystal size: 0.3 × 0.3 cm = 0.12” × 0.12”

Rhodochrosite fluorescent short UV
Shigaite with Rhodochrosite
 

ER67AM3: Lamellar crystals of Shigaite, a rare manganese sulfate, with a sharp hexagonal outline, translucent, with very good luster and an intense red color with brown reflections, implanted on a rock matrix covered by brilliant Rhodochrosite crystals with an intense pink color.
N'Chwaning I Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (±2006)

Specimen size: 5.4 × 2.2 × 2.7 cm = 2.13” × 0.87” × 1.06”

Main crystal size: 0.3 × 0.2 cm = 0.12” × 0.08”

Rhodochrosite fluorescent long & short UV
Shigaite with Rhodochrosite. Shigaite with Rhodochrosite.
Shigaite with Rhodochrosite.
Braunite with Calcite
Braunite with Calcite.
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, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (2008)

Specimen size: 6.6 × 6 × 3.9 cm = 2.60” × 2.36” × 1.54”

Main crystal size: 0.3 × 0.3 cm = 0.12” × 0.12”

Bixbyite with Sturmanite and Calcite
 

MD64AK3: Group of very sharp Bixbyite crystals, of cubic habit, very bright, on matrix, with Calcite and small Sturmanite crystals.
The specimen is from the Carles Manresa collection, whose label we will send to the buyer.
N'Chwaning III Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa

Specimen size: 4.4 × 3.8 × 2.7 cm = 1.73” × 1.50” × 1.06”

Main crystal size: 0.4 × 0.2 cm = 0.16” × 0.08”

Former collection of Carles Manresa
Bixbyite with Sturmanite and Calcite. Bixbyite with Sturmanite and Calcite.
Bixbyite with Hausmannite and Celestine
Bixbyite with Hausmannite and Celestine. Bixbyite with Hausmannite and Celestine.
 

TG96W4: Group of extraordinarily large cubic crystals of Bixbyite. They are very bright and form polycrystalline growths, with small crystals of Hausmannite and small white coatings of Celestine.
N'Chwaning III Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (2011)

Specimen size: 10 × 7.4 × 4.6 cm = 3.94” × 2.91” × 1.81”

Main crystal size: 2.3 × 2.2 cm = 0.91” × 0.87”

Jacobsite with Calcite and Andradite
 

TF12X3: A novelty at Tucson 2013. Sharp, brilliant, octahedral crystals. The contrast between the black Jacobsite crystals and the white Calcite makes this specimen nicer than usual.
We'll send a copy of the analysis to the buyer of the piece.
N'Chwaning III Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (±08/2012)

Specimen size: 1.6 × 1.3 × 1.3 cm = 0.63” × 0.51” × 0.51”

Main crystal size: 0.2 × 0.2 cm = 0.08” × 0.08”

Calcite minor fluorescence long & short UV
Jacobsite with Calcite and Andradite.
Jacobsite with Calcite and Andradite
Jacobsite with Calcite and Andradite.
 

TR11Z1: A novelty at Tucson 2013. Groups of sharp, brilliant, well defined octahedral crystals on a matrix of Calcite crystals with small Andradite crystals. The Jacobsite crystals strongly contrast with the white Calcite and make this specimen nicer than usual.
N'Chwaning III Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (±08/2012)

Specimen size: 2.8 × 2.6 × 1.8 cm = 1.10” × 1.02” × 0.71”

Main crystal size: 0.2 × 0.1 cm = 0.08” × 0.04”

Calcite minor fluorescence long & short UV
Jouravskite with Xonotlite
 

EX91AG3: A novelty at Denver 2017. Botryoidal aggregates of Jouravskite micro-crystals, a very rare calcium and manganese sulfate-carbonate. They are very sharp, very bright, have and an extraordinary lemon-yellow color and are on a Xonotlite matrix.
This specimen was photographed for the ‘Munich 2017’ section of the magazine ‘Mineralien Welt’ and appears on page 71 of number 1/2018 and the magazine ‘Paragénesis’, number 01/2018, page 103
N'Chwaning III Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (2017)

Specimen size: 5.8 × 3.6 × 1.7 cm = 2.28” × 1.42” × 0.67”

Main crystal size: 0.7 × 0.3 cm = 0.28” × 0.12”

Jouravskite with Xonotlite. Jouravskite with Xonotlite.
Jouravskite
Jouravskite. Jouravskite.
 

TK16AH1: A novelty at Denver 2017. Aggregate of very sharp Jouravskite crystals, a very rare calcium and manganese sulfate-carbonate. The crystals, on a rocky matrix with Quartz, apart their excellent luster, have and an extraordinary lemon-yellow color.
N'Chwaning III Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (2017)

Specimen size: 5.8 × 5.6 × 4 cm = 2.28” × 2.20” × 1.57”

Main crystal size: 0.6 × 0.4 cm = 0.24” × 0.16”

Jouravskite with Xonotlite and Hydroxyapophyllite-(K)
 

EZ99AG4: A novelty at Denver 2017. Very well defined lenticular Jouravskite crystals, a very rare calcium and manganese sulfate-carbonate. They are translucent, very bright, with an extraordinary lemon-yellow color and on matrix, with white Xonotlite aggregates and translucent botryoidal Hydroxyapophyllite-(K) aggregates with a lavender color.
The specimen has been reviewed, photographed and published as a new discovery in the magazine ‘Mineral Up’ on page 64 in number 2017/2
N'Chwaning III Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (2017)

Specimen size: 8.8 × 4.4 × 1.2 cm = 3.46” × 1.73” × 0.47”

Main crystal size: 0.7 × 0.3 cm = 0.28” × 0.12”

Xonotlite fluorescence short UV & minor fluorescence long UV
Jouravskite with Xonotlite and Hydroxyapophyllite-(K). Jouravskite with Xonotlite and Hydroxyapophyllite-(K).
Inesite with Orlymanite and Calcite
Inesite with Orlymanite and Calcite. Inesite with Orlymanite and Calcite.
 

ER27X0: Radial growths of acicular crystals of Inesite with a very deep color, with white scalenohedral crystals of Calcite and on a botryoidal growth of Orlymanite, a rare silicate of calcium and manganese. From the type locality for Orlymanite.
Wessels Mine, Hotazel, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa

Specimen size: 6.7 × 3.6 × 2 cm = 2.64” × 1.42” × 0.79”

Main crystal size: 1 × 0.1 cm = 0.39” × 0.04”

Calcite fluorescent long & short UV

Former collection of Claus Hedegaard. Number 10830
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 manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (1980)

Specimen size: 5 × 4.7 × 3 cm = 1.97” × 1.85” × 1.18”

Fluorescent long & short UV
Kutnohorite.
Rhodochrosite with Gageite
Rhodochrosite with Gageite.
 

MD12AE7: Botryoidal aggregate of Gageite, a rare manganese and zinc silicate. It has a greenish-brown color and is coating a matrix of manganese oxides crowned by a group of rhombohedral Rhodochrosite crystals that are translucent, bright and have a uniform pink color. The sample has been analyzed and we’ll send a copy of the analysis to the buyer.
Wessels Mine, Hotazel, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa

Specimen size: 2.8 × 2.2 × 2.4 cm = 1.10” × 0.87” × 0.94”

Main crystal size: 0.4 × 0.4 cm = 0.16” × 0.16”

Rhodochrosite
 

TFT53CD4: Group of Rhodochrosite crystals on matrix, forming parallel polycrystalline aggregates, of intense and uniform pink color and with good luster, exhibiting a habit that is not very common in the Wessels mine.
A very aesthetic specimen for the locality.
Wessels Mine, Hotazel, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa

Specimen size: 8.7 × 5.4 × 2.4 cm = 3.43” × 2.13” × 0.94”

Main crystal size: 0.2 × 0.1 cm = 0.08” × 0.04”

Rhodochrosite. Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Rhodochrosite. Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén

Recorded under neon light
Sugilite with Pectolite
Sugilite with Pectolite. Sugilite with Pectolite.
Sugilite with Pectolite.
 

EF89AA5: Parallel growths of small Sugilite crystals with good terminations. They are on matrix, with radial sprays of small Pectolite crystals. Very recently we posted this same specimen, but its vivid and uniform bluish color gave us some doubts about its identity, so we removed it until it could be analyzed. We will send the buyer a copy of the analysis confirming that it is sugilite.
Wessels Mine, Hotazel, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa

Specimen size: 4.1 × 4 × 2 cm = 1.61” × 1.57” × 0.79”

Pectolite intense fluorescence short UV & fluorescent long UV
Ephesite
 

TQ49AF2: A group of very well defined crystals on matrix. They are bright and have a very intense color. Ephesite, a phyllosilicate of the mica group, is a very rare species, and more rare in crystals of this length and quality.
The sample is from Charles Key.
Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa

Specimen size: 3.7 × 4.1 × 2.5 cm = 1.46” × 1.61” × 0.98”

Main crystal size: 0.4 × 0.3 cm = 0.16” × 0.12”

Ephesite. Ephesite.
Azurite with Malachite and Chrysocolla
Azurite with Malachite and Chrysocolla.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
Azurite with Malachite and Chrysocolla
 

TLR56AP7: Druse of Azurite crystals with very sharp crystal forms, with good luster and intense color, in a concretionary Malachite matrix and minor Chrysocolla. The specimen is from a known African locality, but one from which quality specimens are scarce.
It comes from the old collection of Robert-Auguste Touchon, with an old handwritten label attached to the back with details of the specimen.
Okiep Copper District, Namakwa District Municipality, Northern Cape  South Africa

Specimen size: 4.4 × 3.4 × 1.7 cm = 1.73” × 1.34” × 0.67”

Main crystal size: 0.4 × 0.3 cm = 0.16” × 0.12”

Former collection of Robert-Auguste Touchon
Octahedral Fluorite
 

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, Orange river area, Kakamas, ZF Mgcawu District, Northern Cape Province  South Africa (2008)

Specimen size: 5.4 × 4.7 × 2.1 cm = 2.13” × 1.85” × 0.83”

Main crystal size: 1.8 × 1.3 cm = 0.71” × 0.51”

Fluorescent long & short UV
Octahedral Fluorite.
Octahedral Fluorite
Octahedral Fluorite.
 

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, Orange river area, Kakamas, ZF Mgcawu District, Northern Cape Province  South Africa (2008)

Specimen size: 6 × 5 × 3.6 cm = 2.36” × 1.97” × 1.42”

Main crystal size: 3.3 × 3 cm = 1.30” × 1.18”

Fluorescent long & short UV
Octahedral Fluorite with Quartz
 

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, Orange river area, Kakamas, ZF Mgcawu District, Northern Cape Province  South Africa (2008)

Specimen size: 7 × 5.9 × 4.5 cm = 2.76” × 2.32” × 1.77”

Main crystal size: 2.2 × 1.6 cm = 0.87” × 0.63”

Fluorescent long & short UV
Octahedral Fluorite with Quartz. Front
Front
Octahedral Fluorite with Quartz. Side
Side
Octahedral Fluorite with Quartz. Top
Top
Octahedral Fluorite
Octahedral Fluorite. Front
Front
Octahedral Fluorite. Side
Side
 

MF37AC3: Aggregate of very sharp octahedral Fluorite crystals. They are between transparent and translucent and have an intense and very uniform green color.
Riemvasmaak, Orange river area, Kakamas, ZF Mgcawu District, Northern Cape Province  South Africa (±2005)

Specimen size: 7.3 × 4.2 × 5.5 cm = 2.87” × 1.65” × 2.17”

Main crystal size: 4.8 × 4.8 cm = 1.89” × 1.89”

Fluorescent long & short UV
Octahedral Fluorite with Quartz
 

EC28Q7: Isolated and grouped octahedral crystals, transparent and with a very intense and uniform green color and partially coated by white Quartz.
Riemvasmaak, Orange river area, Kakamas, ZF Mgcawu District, Northern Cape Province  South Africa (01/2010)

Specimen size: 8.2 × 5.7 × 3.2 cm = 3.23” × 2.24” × 1.26”

Main crystal size: 1.7 × 1.5 cm = 0.67” × 0.59”

Fluorescent long & short UV
Octahedral Fluorite with Quartz. Octahedral Fluorite with Quartz.
Fluorite (octahedral) with Quartz
Fluorite (octahedral) with Quartz. Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Front / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Fluorite (octahedral) with Quartz. Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén
Detail / Photo: Joaquim Callén

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

TRB27AO5: Very sharp octahedral Fluorite crystals, between translucent and transparent, with good luster and a uniform green color adn with inclusions. On a matrix of white Quartz crystals that do not seem to have been acid-etched, showing a very "fresh" appearance.
Riemvasmaak, Orange river area, Kakamas, ZF Mgcawu District, Northern Cape Province  South Africa

Specimen size: 8.4 × 5 × 3.1 cm = 3.31” × 1.97” × 1.22”

Main crystal size: 1.4 × 0.9 cm = 0.55” × 0.35”

Fluorescent long & short UV
Octahedral Fluorite
 

EB68Q7: Group of transparent octahedral crystals with a very intense and uniform green color, some of them with centered inclusions.
Riemvasmaak, Orange river area, Kakamas, ZF Mgcawu District, Northern Cape Province  South Africa (01/2010)

Specimen size: 9.3 × 8.3 × 4.8 cm = 3.66” × 3.27” × 1.89”

Main crystal size: 2.6 × 2.2 cm = 1.02” × 0.87”

Fluorescent long & short UV
Octahedral Fluorite. Octahedral Fluorite.
Fluorite (octahedral) with Quartz
Fluorite (octahedral) with Quartz. Front
Front
Fluorite (octahedral) with Quartz. Side
Side
Fluorite (octahedral) with Quartz.

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

EBM96AP0: Very aerial groups of large, very sharp, transparent octahedral crystals of Fluorite with good luster and an intense green color, associated with small transparent and colorless Quartz crystals.
Riemvasmaak, Orange river area, Kakamas, ZF Mgcawu District, Northern Cape Province  South Africa

Specimen size: 13.6 × 11.4 × 7.6 cm = 5.35” × 4.49” × 2.99”

Main crystal size: 2.6 × 2.6 cm = 1.02” × 1.02”

Fluorescent long & short UV
Fluorite (octahedral) with Quartz

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

MT56AG7: Very sharp octahedral Fluorite crystals, between transparent and translucent, bright and with a very intense, deep and uniform green color. They are on a Quartz matrix.
Riemvasmaak, Orange river area, Kakamas, ZF Mgcawu District, Northern Cape Province  South Africa (±2015)

Specimen size: 17.4 × 9.5 × 4.6 cm = 6.85” × 3.74” × 1.81”

Main crystal size: 2 × 1.9 cm = 0.79” × 0.75”

Fluorescent long & short UV
Fluorite (octahedral) with Quartz. Fluorite (octahedral) with Quartz.
Fluorite
Fluorite. Front
Front
Fluorite. Side
Side
 

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.
Pella, Orange River, Northern Cape Province  South Africa (2006)

Specimen size: 6.3 × 6 × 4.2 cm = 2.48” × 2.36” × 1.65”

Main crystal size: 3.5 × 3.5 cm = 1.38” × 1.38”

Fluorescent long & short UV
Sceptered smoky Quartz
 

TR17S0: A novelty at Tucson 2011. Parallel and sceptered growth with some doubly terminated crystals that are transparent, very bright in deep smoky shades and on a parallel group of very elongate crystals of white Quartz.
Steinkopf, Namakwa District (Namaqualand), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (08/2010)

Specimen size: 6.3 × 1.6 × 1.5 cm = 2.48” × 0.63” × 0.59”

Main crystal size: 1.7 × 1.1 cm = 0.67” × 0.43”

Sceptered smoky Quartz. Front
Front
Sceptered smoky Quartz. Rear
Rear
Sceptered smoky Quartz
Sceptered smoky Quartz. Sceptered smoky Quartz.
 

TE28S0: A novelty at Tucson 2011. Parallel and sceptered growth with a centered “window” formation. Crystals are very bright with deep smoky shades and are on a parallel group of very elongate crystals of white Quartz.
Steinkopf, Namakwa District (Namaqualand), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (08/2010)

Specimen size: 8.2 × 3.5 × 2.5 cm = 3.23” × 1.38” × 0.98”

Gold with Quartz
Gold with Quartz  

ML27T8: Very well defined laminar growths and very thin hooked crystals on Quartz matrix. The sample is from a locality that is rarely referenced in mineral collections.
From the Claus Hedegaard collection (num. 13579), whose label we’ll send to the buyer.
Witwatersrand field, Gauteng  South Africa

Specimen size: 3.4 × 2.8 × 2.2 cm = 1.34” × 1.10” × 0.87”

Opal Fluorescent long & short UV
Gold with Quartz. Gold with Quartz.
Rhodochrosite with Shigaite
Rhodochrosite with Shigaite. Rhodochrosite with Shigaite.
Rhodochrosite with Shigaite.
 

MH66AA7: Aggregate of two small very sharp Shigaite crystals. They are laminar, bright, with a very intense and deep color and on a rocky matrix coated by a botryoidal Rhodochrosite growth, very bright and with a very intense, vivid and uniform pink color. The whole sample is extremely esthetic.
N'Chwaning I Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (2006)

Specimen size: 8.7 × 6.2 × 4.9 cm = 3.43” × 2.44” × 1.93”

Main crystal size: 0.3 × 0.1 cm = 0.12” × 0.04”

Fluorescence short UV & minor fluorescence long UV
Corundum
 

TMR14AN6: Complete floater group of doubly terminated Corundum crystals, one of them clearly dominant, with very sharp crystal forms. Translucent, lustrous, and pale brownish green.
We will ship the specimen in its original Perky box from the Robert J. (Bob) Noble collection, which also contains the label indicating that it was previously in the Melanson collection.
Transvaal Region  South Africa

Specimen size: 1 × 1 × 1.1 cm = 0.39” × 0.39” × 0.43”

Main crystal size: 1 × 0.6 cm = 0.39” × 0.24”

Former collection of Bob Noble
Corundum. Front
Front
Corundum. Front
Front
Corundum. Top
Top

Bultfonteinite

Bultfonteinite is a rare phyllosilicate (calcium fluorsilicate) that exists in the N'Chwaning mine along with another rare phyllosilicate (also calcium), Oyelite. In fact, while awaiting the analysis of these specimens we had indicated on the web site that they were Oyelite, as previous finds from the same mine with the same appearance and white color had always been considered Oyelite. So when we got the results of the analysis, much to our surprise, the fluor present in the sample as well as the atomic ratio of Ca/Si=1:2 indicates that the specimens are Bultfonteinite and not Oyelite.

Bultfonteinite with Hydroxyapophyllite-(K) and Calcite
Bultfonteinite with Hydroxyapophyllite-(K) and Calcite.
 

EM46R1: Fanlike groups of snowy white acicular crystals of Bultfonteinite replacing the faces of short elongated crystals of Hydroxyapophyllite-(K) which has a pseudocubic habit. In some cases the replacement is deeper and forms a more or less complete pseudomorph of the preexisting Hydroxyapophyllite-(K). All are on a matrix of clear, complex, crystals of Calcite. We’ll send a copy of the analysis to the buyer of the piece.
N'Chwaning II Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (2006)

Specimen size: 2 × 2 × 1.9 cm = 0.79” × 0.79” × 0.75”

Main crystal size: 1.7 × 1.5 cm = 0.67” × 0.59”

Bultfonteinite with Hydroxyapophyllite-(K) and Calcite
 

EZ63R1: Fanlike groups of snowy white acicular crystals of Bultfonteinite replacing the faces of short elongated crystals of Hydroxyapophyllite-(K) which has a pseudocubic habit. In some cases the replacement is deeper and forms a more or less complete pseudomorph of the preexisting Hydroxyapophyllite-(K). All are on a matrix of clear, complex, crystals of Calcite. We’ll send a copy of the analysis to the buyer of the piece.
This specimen has been photographed and published as a reference for the Bultfonteinite species in the magazine ‘Lapis‘ number 02/2021, page 9
N'Chwaning II Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (2006)

Specimen size: 3.6 × 3.1 × 2.8 cm = 1.42” × 1.22” × 1.10”

Main crystal size: 0.7 × 0.6 cm = 0.28” × 0.24”

Bultfonteinite with Hydroxyapophyllite-(K) and Calcite.
Bultfonteinite with Hydroxyapophyllite-(K) and Calcite
Bultfonteinite with Hydroxyapophyllite-(K) and Calcite.
 

ET64R1: Fanlike groups of snowy white acicular crystals of Bultfonteinite replacing the faces of short elongated crystals of Hydroxyapophyllite-(K) which has a pseudocubic habit. In some cases the replacement is deeper and forms a more or less complete pseudomorph of the preexisting Hydroxyapophyllite-(K). All are on a matrix of clear, complex, crystals of Calcite. We’ll send a copy of the analysis to the buyer of the piece.
N'Chwaning II Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (2006)

Specimen size: 4.2 × 3.7 × 2.1 cm = 1.65” × 1.46” × 0.83”

Main crystal size: 0.9 × 0.9 cm = 0.35” × 0.35”

Bultfonteinite with Hydroxyapophyllite-(K) and Calcite
 

EL13R1: Fanlike groups of snowy white acicular crystals of Bultfonteinite replacing the faces of short elongated crystals of Hydroxyapophyllite-(K) which has a pseudocubic habit. In some cases the replacement is deeper and forms a more or less complete pseudomorph of the preexisting Hydroxyapophyllite-(K). All are on a matrix of clear, complex, crystals of Calcite. We’ll send a copy of the analysis to the buyer of the piece.
N'Chwaning II Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (2006)

Specimen size: 4.4 × 3.8 × 1.8 cm = 1.73” × 1.50” × 0.71”

Main crystal size: 1.2 × 0.7 cm = 0.47” × 0.28”

Bultfonteinite with Hydroxyapophyllite-(K) and Calcite.

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