Reference Specimens
The Desmond Sacco Collection

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Photos by Fabre Minerals. Under Creative Commons license

This page provides a selection of the specimens that were in the Desmond Sacco Collection 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
We hope that you enjoy your visit, even if it is just to see this page!

Text: Carles Curto (formerly curator of the Geology Museum, Barcelona) & Jordi Fabre
Assistance from John S. White (former Smithsonian curator)

 


Desmond Sacco is an authority on African as well as worldwide minerals. I met him many years ago at the Munich Show when it was still in the center of Munich and Desmond was one of the stars of the show, buying the best that appeared. His collection was legendary, not only because of the wonders we knew he would certainly have acquired given his position in the mines of the Kalahari Manganese Field (Hotazel, Wessels, N'Chwaning...) and his proximity to the legendary Tsumeb, but also because we saw what he was buying, and thus got an idea of the quality of his collection.

Many years and many mineral Munich shows have now passed and Desmond Sacco has decided to sell some specimens from his collection. We have been fortunate to acquire an important part of this material and with these we can make a virtual trip to the mines and minerals guided by Desmond and his collecting criteria.

We hope you enjoy these samples, which represent an important part of mineralogy and mineral collecting in Africa.

Jordi Fabre


Desmond Sacco

The Desmond Sacco Collection


Tsumeb

Dioptase
Dioptase. Front
Front
Dioptase. Rear
Rear
 

TM97Q3: Group of crystals of a considerable size for the species. Some of them are doubly terminated and they all have very well defined faces and edges. Color and luster are excellent.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 2.2 × 2.6 × 1.6 cm = 0.87” × 1.02” × 0.63”

Main crystal size: 1.9 × 0.9 cm = 0.75” × 0.35”

Dioptase with Calcite
 

TK96AC2: Aggregate of very well defined Dioptase crystals, a lot of them doubly terminated, very bright and on matrix, with small white Calcite crystals and clear green Duftite coatings.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1975)

Specimen size: 3.4 × 2.3 × 1.6 cm = 1.34” × 0.91” × 0.63”

Main crystal size: 0.5 × 0.3 cm = 0.20” × 0.12”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Dioptase with Calcite. Dioptase with Calcite.
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, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 3.4 × 2.9 × 1.9 cm = 1.34” × 1.14” × 0.75”

Main crystal size: 0.9 × 0.3 cm = 0.35” × 0.12”

Calcite fluorescent long & short UV
Dioptase
 

MK16R6: Magnificent group, on matrix, of sharp crystals, one of them clearly dominant and very large for the species. The crystals have very uniform and deep color and are very bright.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 3.7 × 3.2 × 2.3 cm = 1.46” × 1.26” × 0.91”

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

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Dioptase. Front
Front
Dioptase. Top
Top
Dioptase with Calcite
Dioptase with Calcite. Dioptase with Calcite.
 

TH68AC2: Aggregate of very well defined Dioptase crystals, a lot of them doubly terminated, very bright and on matrix.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1975)

Specimen size: 6.2 × 4.1 × 3.6 cm = 2.44” × 1.61” × 1.42”

Main crystal size: 0.6 × 0.3 cm = 0.24” × 0.12”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Dioptase with Cerussite
 

TG98AC2: Aggregate of very well defined Dioptase crystals, a lot of them doubly terminated, very bright and on matrix, with twinned, colorless and completely clear Cerussite crystals.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1975)

Specimen size: 6.5 × 4.2 × 2.1 cm = 2.56” × 1.65” × 0.83”

Main crystal size: 0.6 × 0.3 cm = 0.24” × 0.12”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Dioptase with Cerussite. Dioptase with Cerussite.
Cerussite with Dioptase
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, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 2.9 × 1.6 × 1.4 cm = 1.14” × 0.63” × 0.55”

Minor fluorescence short UV
Twinned Cerussite
 

TP76R8: Twinned crystals with sharp and very well defined faces and edges. They are transparent, very bright and have notable phantom growths. An excellent miniature.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 3 × 2.8 × 1.7 cm = 1.18” × 1.10” × 0.67”

Main crystal size: 2.6 × 1.7 cm = 1.02” × 0.67”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection

Minor fluorescence short UV
Twinned Cerussite. Front
Front
Twinned Cerussite. Side
Side
Azurite with Malachite
Azurite with Malachite. Front
Front
Azurite with Malachite. Rear
Rear
 

MG68R8: Azurite crystal, on small matrix, partially doubly terminated and with sharp, very well defined faces and edges and having zones partially pseudomorphed by Malachite with a silky luster.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 4.3 × 2.2 × 2 cm = 1.69” × 0.87” × 0.79”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Azurite with Malachite and Quartz
 

TQ91Q3: The sample is from the famous Easter Pocket, found in 1994. It has sharp Azurite crystals with very well defined faces and edges. The crystals are translucent and have vivid indigo blue reflections. On matrix, with Malachite and Quartz.
Tsumeb Mine, Easter Pocket, 8 level, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (1994)

Specimen size: 6.4 × 4.9 × 3.2 cm = 2.52” × 1.93” × 1.26”

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

Azurite with Malachite and Quartz. Azurite with Malachite and Quartz.
Azurite with Cerussite
Azurite with Cerussite. Front
Front
Azurite with Cerussite. Rear
Rear
Azurite with Cerussite.
 

MQ46T7: Group of Azurite crystals with very well defined faces and edges, good terminations, deep color, very bright and with intense transparency on the edges. With small twinned crystals of Cerussite and some other unidentified species. A good example of why the Azurite from Tsumeb is world famous.
With a handwritten Sacco collection label, that we’ll send to the buyer.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (1970-1985)

Specimen size: 11.2 × 10.2 × 7.4 cm = 4.41” × 4.02” × 2.91”

Main crystal size: 5 × 2.5 cm = 1.97” × 0.98”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
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, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 3.2 × 2.2 × 2.2 cm = 1.26” × 0.87” × 0.87”

Main crystal size: 1.3 × 1 cm = 0.51” × 0.39”

Fluorescence short UV & low fluorescence long UV
Calcite with Duftite. Front
Front
Calcite with Duftite. Rear
Rear
Calcite with Dioptase
Calcite with Dioptase.
 

MA66V0: Group on matrix of rhombohedral crystals of Calcite, with sharp faces and edges and with clear geometrical color zoning due to the inclusion of small crystals of Dioptase that also appear as “window” growths formed on the faces of the Calcite crystals.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (1970-1985)

Specimen size: 3.4 × 3.2 × 2.6 cm = 1.34” × 1.26” × 1.02”

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

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection

Fluorescence short UV & low fluorescence long UV
Malachite after Azurite with Cerussite
 

TM14R0: Group of Malachite crystals pseudomorphous after Azurite, one of them clearly dominant, partially doubly terminated and with very well defined faces and edges, some of them selectively coated by small crystals of Cerussite.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 2.6 × 2.3 × 2.4 cm = 1.02” × 0.91” × 0.94”

Main crystal size: 1.3 × 0.7 cm = 0.51” × 0.28”

Malachite after Azurite with Cerussite.
Malachite after Azurite with Duftite
Malachite after Azurite with Duftite. Front
Front
Malachite after Azurite with Duftite. Side
Side
 

TM68Q3: Group of thick prismatic crystals pseudomorphic after Azurite and coated, on the surface of the crystal faces, by silky fibrous recrystallizations, some of them forming fanlike groups. On matrix and with yellowish-green Duftite.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 4 × 5.4 × 3.5 cm = 1.57” × 2.13” × 1.38”

Main crystal size: 3.6 × 3.2 cm = 1.42” × 1.26”

Malachite with Calcite
 

TZ27Q3: Globular felted growths, well known as “velvet”, on matrix. They have a very vivid color and are on a matrix rich of Calcite.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 5.7 × 4.3 × 1.9 cm = 2.24” × 1.69” × 0.75”

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

Malachite with Calcite. Malachite with Calcite.
Malachite with Mimetite
Malachite with Mimetite. Malachite with Mimetite.
 

TT16S5: Very well defined globular growths of Malachite that have a very intense grass-green color, with small aggregates of white crystals of Mimetite, a very unusual association, and small milky crystals of Smithsonite.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 6.3 × 5.2 × 2.9 cm = 2.48” × 2.05” × 1.14”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection

Mimetite minor fluorescence long & short UV
Malachite after Cuprite with Mimetite
 

MT93AI8: Small groups of Malachite crystals after dodecahedral Cuprite. They have very well defined faces and edges and are on matrix with a divergent spray of acicular Mimetite crystals.
The sample, very unusual, is from the Desmond Sacco collection whose label we will send to the buyer.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1980)

Specimen size: 7.6 × 4 × 2.9 cm = 2.99” × 1.57” × 1.14”

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

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Malachite after Cuprite with Mimetite. Malachite after Cuprite with Mimetite.
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, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 3.1 × 2.2 × 2.1 cm = 1.22” × 0.87” × 0.83”

Smithsonite
 

TQ96Q6: Isolated rhombohedral crystal, a very infrequent case in Tsumeb, with very well defined faces and edges, bright, with colored inclusions and very aerial on a metallic matrix coated by the same Smithsonite. We’ll send a copy of the analysis.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 2.2 × 1.4 × 1.5 cm = 0.87” × 0.55” × 0.59”

Main crystal size: 1.3 × 1.2 cm = 0.51” × 0.47”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Smithsonite.
Smithsonite
Smithsonite. Front
Front
Smithsonite. Rear
Rear
 

TE67Q5: Clear yellow crystal formed by a ditrigonal prism and a very acute terminal rhombohedron. The termination below, even not being especially defined, is complete.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 2.5 × 1.3 × 1.3 cm = 0.98” × 0.51” × 0.51”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Smithsonite
 

TD47Q5: Crystal, on matrix, with very well defined faces and edges, unusually elongated for the species and formed by a ditrigonal prism and an acute terminal rhombohedron. We specially note the degree of transparency, rare with Smithsonite crystals.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 2.5 × 2.5 × 2 cm = 0.98” × 0.98” × 0.79”

Main crystal size: 1.8 × 0.4 cm = 0.71” × 0.16”

Smithsonite. Front
Front
Smithsonite. Rear
Rear
Smithsonite (variety cuprian)
Smithsonite (variety cuprian).
 

MT27V0: Aerial group of globular aggregates of small crystals that are very bright and have a very intense green color that corresponds to the cuprian variety of this species.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (1970-1985)

Specimen size: 3.3 × 3.2 × 1.6 cm = 1.30” × 1.26” × 0.63”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Cobaltoan Smithsonite
 

MR37T7: Group of rhombohedral Smithsonite crystals with curved faces and edges and a lenticular shape. They are pale pink color and have very well defined brown inclusions of iron oxides on their edges.
With a handwritten Sacco collection label, that we’ll send to the buyer.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (1970-1985)

Specimen size: 3.8 × 2.7 × 2.2 cm = 1.50” × 1.06” × 0.87”

Main crystal size: 1.4 × 0.7 cm = 0.55” × 0.28”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection

Minor fluorescence long & short UV
Cobaltoan Smithsonite.
Smithsonite (variety cuprian) with Dolomite
Smithsonite (variety cuprian) with Dolomite. Front
Front
Smithsonite (variety cuprian) with Dolomite. Rear
Rear
 

DF57AC4: Trapezohedral cuprian Smithsonite crystals, one of them clearly dominant. They are translucent, bright and have a quite intense green color. The sample is from the Desmond Sacco collection, whose label we’ll send to the buyer.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (±1975)

Specimen size: 3.9 × 2.7 × 1.9 cm = 1.54” × 1.06” × 0.75”

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

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Smithsonite (variety cobaltoan)
 

TC28Q3: Very aerial and esthetic group of bright acute rhombohedral crystals with very well defined faces and edges. Their color, deep pink, is really excellent.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 3.9 × 3.6 × 1.9 cm = 1.54” × 1.42” × 0.75”

Main crystal size: 1.3 × 0.8 cm = 0.51” × 0.31”

Smithsonite (variety cobaltoan). Front
Front
Smithsonite (variety cobaltoan). Rear
Rear
Smithsonite (variety cobaltoan)
Smithsonite (variety cobaltoan). Smithsonite (variety cobaltoan).
 

MC49V0: Aggregate on matrix of rhombohedral crystals with sharp faces and edges. They are very bright, more transparent than usual, and they have a deep pink color corresponding to the cobaltoan variety of this species.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (1970-1985)

Specimen size: 4.4 × 4 × 2.8 cm = 1.73” × 1.57” × 1.10”

Main crystal size: 1 × 0.9 cm = 0.39” × 0.35”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Smithsonite (variety cadmium)
 

ME99V0: Aggregate of acute rhombohedral crystals with very well defined faces and edges, and with neat and very well marked geometrical zoning. They are a very bright and with very intense yellow color that corresponds to the cadmian variety of this species.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (1970-1985)

Specimen size: 5.1 × 4.4 × 4 cm = 2.01” × 1.73” × 1.57”

Main crystal size: 1 × 0.8 cm = 0.39” × 0.31”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Smithsonite (variety cadmium). Smithsonite (variety cadmium).
Cobaltoan Smithsonite
Cobaltoan Smithsonite. Cobaltoan Smithsonite.
 

MY27T7: Druze of rhombohedral crystals with curved faces and edges and a lenticular shape. They are bright and have a very intense pink color and they are more aerial than usual for samples from Tsumeb.
With a handwritten Sacco collection label, that we’ll send to the buyer.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (1970-1985)

Specimen size: 5.8 × 4.8 × 2.2 cm = 2.28” × 1.89” × 0.87”

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

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Smithsonite
 

ML99R8: Crystals of Smithsonite of a considerable size, with the single form of a relatively acute rhombohedron with very well defined faces and edges, and with phantom growths and small red inclusions of Hematite. Crystals are coating a cavernous matrix partially coated by Quartz.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (1980)

Specimen size: 8.4 × 5.6 × 5.4 cm = 3.31” × 2.20” × 2.13”

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

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Smithsonite. Smithsonite.
Cuprian Smithsonite
Cuprian Smithsonite. Front
Front
Cuprian Smithsonite. Rear
Rear
 

MQ50V0: Globular aggregates on matrix of small rhombohedral crystals with curved faces and edges. They are bright and they have a very deep green color corresponding to the cuprian variety of this species.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia (1970-1985)

Specimen size: 10.4 × 9.2 × 6.4 cm = 4.09” × 3.62” × 2.52”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Mimetite with Pyrite
 

TA97Q3: Esthetic group of crystals, some of them doubly terminated, with excellent deep yellow color and good luster and transparency and placed on a matrix rich of Pyrite.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 3.2 × 2.2 × 1.9 cm = 1.26” × 0.87” × 0.75”

Main crystal size: 1.4 × 0.3 cm = 0.55” × 0.12”

Mimetite with Pyrite. Mimetite with Pyrite.
Mimetite with Galena
Mimetite with Galena.
 

TD67Q5: Group of crystals of considerable length for the species, some of them doubly terminated, with vivid yellow color, translucent and very bright, formed by an elongated prism and the terminal faces of a pyramid.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 3.4 × 2.6 × 2.6 cm = 1.34” × 1.02” × 1.02”

Main crystal size: 2.4 × 0.3 cm = 0.94” × 0.12”

Mimetite with Cuprite and Calcite
 

TB66Q6: White laminar crystals of Mimetite of hexagonal shape with a Cuprite crystal with multiple growths and small crystals of Calcite, on matrix. We’ll send a copy of the analysis.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 3.9 × 2.9 × 2.2 cm = 1.54” × 1.14” × 0.87”

Main crystal size: 0.5 × 0.4 cm = 0.20” × 0.16”

Calcite fluorescent long & short UV

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Mimetite with Cuprite and Calcite. Mimetite with Cuprite and Calcite.
Mimetite with Cuprite and Calcite
Mimetite with Cuprite and Calcite. Mimetite with Cuprite and Calcite.
 

TD26Q6: Yellow globular growths and flattened crystals of hexagonal shape on matrix, with a small group of cube-octahedral crystals of Cuprite and white crystals of Calcite. We’ll send a copy of the analysis.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 4.1 × 3.2 × 2.9 cm = 1.61” × 1.26” × 1.14”

Main crystal size: 0.5 × 0.4 cm = 0.20” × 0.16”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection

Calcite fluorescent long & short UV
Mimetite with Dolomite
 

MF97R6: Parallel growths of flattened dipyramidal crystals of Mimetite of very well defined faces and edges, bright and of intense yellow color, on a matrix of small crystals of Dolomite.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 8.4 × 5.7 × 2.4 cm = 3.31” × 2.24” × 0.94”

Main crystal size: 0.5 × 0.4 cm = 0.20” × 0.16”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection

Fluorescence short UV & low fluorescence long UV
Mimetite with Dolomite. Mimetite with Dolomite.
Mimetite
Mimetite. Mimetite.
 

MP50T7: Unusual spheroidal growths, on a limonite matrix, with a very intense yellow color. They look like the Mimetite from San Pedro Corralitos, México. The sample, according to Desmond Sacco is from one of the first finds of this secondary species in the oxidation zone at Tsumeb, during the first days of its exploitation.
With a handwritten Sacco collection label, that we’ll send to the buyer.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 8.6 × 6.9 × 3.4 cm = 3.39” × 2.72” × 1.34”

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

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Adamite (variety cuprian) with Wulfenite
 

TJ48Q3: Radial group of crystals of exceptional size for Tsumeb. They are very well defined, with excellent terminations and a tabular crystal of Wulfenite on the back. This crystal of Wulfenite has a little damage on an edge but the Adamite is perfect. An excellent miniature.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 1.5 × 1.7 × 1.3 cm = 0.59” × 0.67” × 0.51”

Main crystal size: 0.5 × 0.2 cm = 0.20” × 0.08”

Adamite (variety cuprian) with Wulfenite. Front
Front
Adamite (variety cuprian) with Wulfenite. Rear
Rear
Adamite
Adamite.
Adamite.
 

TA97Q6: Exceptional for the locality. A group of yellow crystals, some of them doubly terminated. The main crystal, of a big size, has very well defined faces and edges. We’ll send a copy of the analysis.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 4.3 × 1.8 × 2.3 cm = 1.69” × 0.71” × 0.91”

Main crystal size: 2.2 × 1.2 cm = 0.87” × 0.47”

Minor fluorescence long & short UV
Adamite (variety cuprian)
 

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, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 4.3 × 3.2 × 2.9 cm = 1.69” × 1.26” × 1.14”

Main crystal size: 0.6 × 0.3 cm = 0.24” × 0.12”

Adamite (variety cuprian). Front
Front
Adamite (variety cuprian). Side
Side
Adamite (variety cuprian).
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, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 2.2 × 2.2 × 2.1 cm = 0.87” × 0.87” × 0.83”

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

Calcite fluorescent short UV
Cuprite with Malachite
 

TC27Q5: Group of dodecahedral crystals with very well defined faces and edges, with thin coatings of Malachite on some areas of the crystals and deep red transparency under a strong light.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 2.4 × 1.4 × 1.3 cm = 0.94” × 0.55” × 0.51”

Main crystal size: 1.7 × 1.4 cm = 0.67” × 0.55”

Cuprite with Malachite. Front
Front
Cuprite with Malachite. Rear
Rear
Cuprite with Calcite
Cuprite with Calcite. Cuprite with Calcite.
 

TA86Q3: Isolated and grouped octahedral crystals of Cuprite, sharp and with very well defined faces and edges, translucent and deep red colored and on Calcite matrix.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 3.4 × 2.5 × 1.3 cm = 1.34” × 0.98” × 0.51”

Main crystal size: 0.5 × 0.4 cm = 0.20” × 0.16”

Calcite with fluorescence short UV & low fluorescence long 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, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 8 × 3.4 × 2 cm = 3.15” × 1.34” × 0.79”

Main crystal size: 0.8 × 0.5 cm = 0.31” × 0.20”

Wulfenite with Azurite and Dolomite. Wulfenite with Azurite and Dolomite.
Willemite
Willemite.
 

TH27Q6: Translucent spheroidal growths of bluish-green color with acicular crystals of Goethite. We’ll send a copy of the analysis.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 2.9 × 1.8 × 1.4 cm = 1.14” × 0.71” × 0.55”

Fluorescence short UV & minor fluorescence long UV
Willemite
 

TJ67Q6: Clear green spheroidal growths with very intense silky luster and on matrix. An excellent miniature. We’ll send a copy of the analysis.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 2.9 × 2 × 1.9 cm = 1.14” × 0.79” × 0.75”

Fluorescent long & short UV
Willemite.
Anglesite with Galena
Anglesite with Galena. Front
Front
Anglesite with Galena. Rear
Rear
 

TF28Q5: Parallel growths of crystals with very well defined faces and edges, a bluish-gray color, and implanted on a small matrix. We note the quality of the crystals due to the locality, in which the Anglesite is well known but, at the same time, scarce.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 4.2 × 2.2 × 2 cm = 1.65” × 0.87” × 0.79”

Main crystal size: 3.5 × 1.5 cm = 1.38” × 0.59”

Gartrellite with Bayldonite and Azurite
 

TC97Q6: Vivid yellow concertina-shaped growths of the rare species Gartrellite, with Azurite crystals and a group of Bayldonite with very well defined faces and edges which is very rare. We’ll send a copy of the analysis of the Gartrellite and the Bayldonite.
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 3.4 × 2.1 × 2.1 cm = 1.34” × 0.83” × 0.83”

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

Gartrellite with Bayldonite and Azurite.
Gartrellite with Bayldonite and Azurite. Gartrellite with Bayldonite and Azurite.
Rhodochrosite with Tsumcorite and Galena
Rhodochrosite with Tsumcorite and Galena. 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, Otjikoto Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 4 × 2.7 × 2.2 cm = 1.57” × 1.06” × 0.87”

Main crystal size: 1.1 × 0.6 cm = 0.43” × 0.24”

Minor fluorescence short UV

Kalahari Manganese Fields

Hematite with Gaudefroyite
 

TJ93S1: Floater complex crystal of Hematite with very well defined faces and edges and an extraordinary luster, with very well developed crystals of black Gaudefroyite that have a considerable size for the species and are formed mainly by the prism and terminal pyramids.
N'Chwaning II Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa

Specimen size: 3.1 × 2.5 × 2 cm = 1.22” × 0.98” × 0.79”

Hematite with Gaudefroyite. Front
Front
Hematite with Gaudefroyite. Side
Side
Hematite with Gaudefroyite. Rear
Rear
Hematite with Calcite and Celestine
Hematite with Calcite and Celestine. Front
Front
Hematite with Calcite and Celestine. Rear
Rear
 

TA47Q5: Twinned Hematite crystal with a very good luster and very well defined faces and edges, positioned esthetically on its matrix of white Calcite that gives a nice contrast to the piece.
N'Chwaning II Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa

Specimen size: 3.6 × 2.5 × 2.4 cm = 1.42” × 0.98” × 0.94”

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

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Hematite with Baryte

Fluorescent light (daylight)
 

MF66AI5: Very esthetic group of twinned Hematite crystals with very well defined faces, with the typical shape for this area, extraordinarily bright, on matrix with small white Baryte coatings. We note that being from the Wessels mine and not from the N’Chwaning mine it is even more exceptional. Of high quality, as is usual with samples from the Desmond Sacco collection.
Wessels Mine, Hotazel, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (±1980)

Specimen size: 7.7 × 6 × 3.7 cm = 3.03” × 2.36” × 1.46”

Main crystal size: 1.2 × 1.1 cm = 0.47” × 0.43”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Hematite with Baryte. Front
Front
Hematite with Baryte. Top
Top
Hematite with Baryte.
Olmiite with Celestine
Olmiite with Celestine. Olmiite with Celestine.
 

MH47R6: Globular growths of Olmiite crystals of unusual appearance, with very well defined faces and edges, of clear brown color and very bright. On matrix, with associated acicular crystals of Celestine.
N'Chwaning II Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (±2008)

Specimen size: 8.1 × 4.1 × 3.5 cm = 3.19” × 1.61” × 1.38”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection

Minor fluorescence short UV
Olmiite with Calcite
 

MF11V0: Splendid and not common association of Olmiite, forming groups of bright crystals, slightly pinkish, with very acute scalenohedral crystals of Calcite that are colorless, transparent and extraordinarily bright. One of the best pieces from this find.
N'Chwaning II Mine, upper levels, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (12/2008)

Specimen size: 9.4 × 6.4 × 5.3 cm = 3.70” × 2.52” × 2.09”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection

Calcite fluorescent short UV & low fluorescence long UV
Olmiite with Calcite. Front
Front
Olmiite with Calcite. Side
Side
Olmiite with Calcite.
Hausmannite with Andradite
Hausmannite with Andradite.
 

TQ88R0: Parallel growths of sharp bright pyramids with very well defined faces and edges. They are on a matrix with small crystals of Andradite. More esthetic than usual for the species.
Wessels Mine, Hotazel, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa

Specimen size: 5 × 3.8 × 3.5 cm = 1.97” × 1.50” × 1.38”

Main crystal size: 0.8 × 0.7 cm = 0.31” × 0.28”

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.
N'Chwaning II Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa

Specimen size: 1.8 × 1.3 × 0.9 cm = 0.71” × 0.51” × 0.35”

Main crystal size: 1.4 × 0.5 cm = 0.55” × 0.20”

Gaudefroyite.
Gaudefroyite with Andradite and Baryte
Gaudefroyite with Andradite and Baryte.
Gaudefroyite with Andradite and Baryte. Gaudefroyite with Andradite and Baryte.
 

TT68Q3: Black bright thin prismatic crystals of Gaudefroyite with very well defined faces and edges and excellent terminations. They are with a sharp white Baryte crystal and are on a matrix coated by small crystals of deep colored Andradite.
N'Chwaning II Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (1987)

Specimen size: 8.7 × 6.2 × 3.4 cm = 3.43” × 2.44” × 1.34”

Main crystal size: 0.7 × 0.2 cm = 0.28” × 0.08”

Inesite with Natrolite
 

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, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (±1985)

Specimen size: 5 × 3.5 × 4.7 cm = 1.97” × 1.38” × 1.85”

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

Inesite with Natrolite. Front
Front
Inesite with Natrolite. Top
Top
Inesite with Hydroxyapophyllite-(K), Calcite and Prehnite
Inesite with Hydroxyapophyllite-(K), Calcite and Prehnite. Inesite with Hydroxyapophyllite-(K), Calcite and Prehnite.
 

TP28R6: Spheroidal aggregate of acicular crystals of Inesite of good color, with a very aerial group of tabular crystals of Baryte and partially coated by small crystals of Calcite. The crystals are on a base of Prehnite.
N'Chwaning II Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa

Specimen size: 5.5 × 5 × 3.2 cm = 2.17” × 1.97” × 1.26”

Main crystal size: 1.1 × 1 cm = 0.43” × 0.39”

Inesite with Calcite
 

TF28Q3: Bright orange acicular crystals of Inesite. They are on Calcite which is on matrix. Calcite has grown in two successive generations, the first one is micro-crystalline and has a botryoidal development, the second crystallized in rhombohedrons.
N'Chwaning II Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa

Specimen size: 6.3 × 3.8 × 2.3 cm = 2.48” × 1.50” × 0.91”

Main crystal size: 0.5 × 0.1 cm = 0.20” × 0.04”

Calcite fluorescent long & short UV
Inesite with Calcite. Front
Front
Inesite with Calcite. Rear
Rear
Inesite with Calcite.
Inesite with Calcite
Inesite with Calcite. 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, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa

Specimen size: 6.9 × 4.2 × 2.9 cm = 2.72” × 1.65” × 1.14”

Calcite fluorescent long & short UV
Hydroxyapophyllite-(K)
 

DL27AC7: Druse of very well defined crystals formed by the prism, the dipyramid and the terminal pinacoid. They are between transparent and translucent, are very bright and have a pale pink color.
N'Chwaning II Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa

Specimen size: 6.8 × 5.4 × 2.7 cm = 2.68” × 2.13” × 1.06”

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

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Hydroxyapophyllite-(K). Hydroxyapophyllite-(K).
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, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (1978)

Specimen size: 2.4 × 1.6 × 1.1 cm = 0.94” × 0.63” × 0.43”

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

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, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (1978)

Specimen size: 2.5 × 1.9 × 1.2 cm = 0.98” × 0.75” × 0.47”

Main crystal size: 1 × 0.4 cm = 0.39” × 0.16”

Rhodochrosite with Manganite.
Rhodochrosite
Rhodochrosite. Front
Front
Rhodochrosite. Rear
Rear
 

TC57Q5: Aggregate of crystals formed by the prism and the faces of flattened rhombohedra on the terminations. Color is intense, very vivid, pink with white zoning and the luster is excellent. The piece has great quality, both front and back.
N'Chwaning II Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa

Specimen size: 3.6 × 2.7 × 2.2 cm = 1.42” × 1.06” × 0.87”

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

Fluorescent long & short UV
Rhodochrosite with Gonyerite and Shigaite
 

MF50R8: A botryoidal crust of Rhodochrosite crystals. They are transparent and bright and have a very intense color. The matrix is also very rich in botryoidal aggregates of gray, slightly greenish, Gonyerite. Although at first the secondary species was labeled (with question) Orlimanite, an analysis indicates that it is really Gonyerite, an extremely rare silicate of manganese of the Chlorite group. We'll send a copy of the analysis to the buyer of the piece.
The specimen has been reviewed, photographed and published in the magazine ‘Mineral Up’ on page 38 in number 2011/2
N'Chwaning II Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (±2007)

Specimen size: 11 × 9.5 × 7.3 cm = 4.33” × 3.74” × 2.87”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection

Rhodochrosite fluorescent long & short UV
Rhodochrosite with Gonyerite and Shigaite.
Rhodochrosite with Gonyerite and Shigaite. Rhodochrosite with Gonyerite and Shigaite.
Shigaite on Rhodochrosite
Shigaite on Rhodochrosite. 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, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (1996)

Specimen size: 3.3 × 2.7 × 1.4 cm = 1.30” × 1.06” × 0.55”

Main crystal size: 0.5 × 0.3 cm = 0.20” × 0.12”

Rhodochrosite fluorescent long & short UV
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, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (1996)

Specimen size: 3.7 × 2.9 × 1.8 cm = 1.46” × 1.14” × 0.71”

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

Rhodochrosite fluorescent long & short UV
Shigaite on Rhodochrosite. Shigaite on Rhodochrosite.
Kutnohorite with Rhodochrosite
Kutnohorite with Rhodochrosite. Kutnohorite with Rhodochrosite.
 

EC66R6: Aggregates of divergent sprays of acicular crystals of Kutnohorite epitaxial on Rhodochrosite. The analysis shows the presence of both species, not easily distinguishable with the naked eye.
N'Chwaning II Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (±2005)

Specimen size: 4.3 × 4.2 × 3.1 cm = 1.69” × 1.65” × 1.22”

Main crystal size: 3 × 0.7 cm = 1.18” × 0.28”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection

Fluorescent short UV
Sturmanite with Calcite
 

MD57W7: Crystal comprised of the hexagonal prism, a much flattened pyramid and the pinacoid. The crystal, with a small matrix of microcrystalline Calcite, is notable for its intense yellow color. As usual when the identification is uncertain we will provide an analysis to the buyer of the specimen. In this case to prove that it is Sturmanite and not Ettringite.
The sample is with an autographed label from the Desmond Sacco collection that we'll send to the buyer.
N'Chwaning II Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (1987)

Specimen size: 3.5 × 1.6 × 1.3 cm = 1.38” × 0.63” × 0.51”

Main crystal size: 3.5 × 1.4 cm = 1.38” × 0.55”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Sturmanite with Calcite. Front
Front
Sturmanite with Calcite. Rear
Rear
Sturmanite with Calcite. Top
Top
Sturmanite with Calcite
Sturmanite with Calcite. Front
Front
Sturmanite with Calcite. Top
Top
 

MA77W7: Isolated crystals, some of them doubly terminated, comprised of the hexagonal prism, a much flattened dipyramid and the pinacoid. The crystals, implanted on a matrix coated by microcrystalline Calcite, are notable for their intense and bright yellow color. As usual when the identification is uncertain we will provide an analysis to the buyer of the specimen. In this case to prove that it is Sturmanite and not Ettringite.
The sample is with an autographed label from the Desmond Sacco collection that we'll send to the buyer.
N'Chwaning II Mine, N'Chwaning mining area, Kuruman, Kalahari manganese field (KMF), Northern Cape Province  South Africa (1987)

Specimen size: 3.6 × 3 × 2.6 cm = 1.42” × 1.18” × 1.02”

Main crystal size: 1.3 × 0.9 cm = 0.51” × 0.35”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection

Shattuckite with Malachite and Quartz
 

TH89S5: Crustal and globular growths of Shattuckite with a felted surface and a very uniform and intense blue color, with aggregates of acicular crystals of Malachite, on a Quartz matrix.
Kandesei Mine, Kaokoveld Plateau, Kunene Region  Namibia (2007)

Specimen size: 9.8 × 6.7 × 5.4 cm = 3.86” × 2.64” × 2.13”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Shattuckite with Malachite and Quartz.
Shattuckite with Malachite and Quartz. Shattuckite with Malachite and Quartz.
Scepter Quartz (variety amethyst / variety smoky)
Scepter Quartz (variety amethyst / variety smoky). Front
Front
Scepter Quartz (variety amethyst / variety smoky). Rear
Rear
Scepter Quartz (variety amethyst / variety smoky). Side
Side
Scepter Quartz (variety amethyst / variety smoky). Side
Side
 

ED91AH2: Scepter growth on a colorless Quartz crystal stem of a very sharp doubly terminated crystal, with very neat window-like and phantom growths. The crystal, transparent and extraordinarily bright, has a smoky color with amethyst shades.
The sample is form the Desmond Sacco collection which label we’ll send to the buyer.
Goboboseb Mountains, Brandberg area, Erongo Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 7.1 × 4.9 × 3.7 cm = 2.80” × 1.93” × 1.46”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Sceptered Quartz (variety smoky and amethyst)
 

TA90AC2: Scepter growth of a doubly terminated crystal with a short prism and very well defined and deep window (fenster) growths. The color, distributed in very irregular spots, varies from the clearest lilac to deep violet, with some smoky areas.
Goboboseb Mountains, Brandberg area, Erongo Region  Namibia (±1995)

Specimen size: 9.3 × 7.7 × 5.7 cm = 3.66” × 3.03” × 2.24”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Sceptered Quartz (variety smoky  and amethyst). Front
Front
Sceptered Quartz (variety smoky  and amethyst). Side
Side
Sceptered Quartz (variety smoky  and amethyst). Side
Side
Sceptered Quartz (variety amethyst) and smoky Quartz
Sceptered Quartz (variety amethyst) and smoky Quartz. Front
Front
Sceptered Quartz (variety amethyst) and smoky Quartz. Rear
Rear
Sceptered Quartz (variety amethyst) and smoky Quartz. Top
Top
 

TF91S5: Very well defined scepter growth with echeloned faces, internal and external, and very well marked "window" forms. The sample is uniformly violet with smoky areas in the scepter. The base of the piece had been polished to give it some stability.
Goboboseb Mountain, Brandberg, Erongo  Namibia (2001)

Specimen size: 10.4 × 4.5 × 4.3 cm = 4.09” × 1.77” × 1.69”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Quartz (variety amethyst)
 

TE69S5: Transparent, colorless and very neat crystals with very well marked phantom growth of deep amethyst color. The base of the sample is recrystallized and the main crystal has a small geometrical indentation on the faces of the rhombohedron.
Goboboseb Mountain, Brandberg, Erongo  Namibia (2001)

Specimen size: 10.4 × 9.2 × 3.8 cm = 4.09” × 3.62” × 1.50”

Main crystal size: 10.4 × 2.2 cm = 4.09” × 0.87”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Quartz (variety amethyst). Quartz (variety amethyst).
Beryl (variety aquamarine) with Schorl
Beryl (variety aquamarine) with Schorl. Front
Front
Beryl (variety aquamarine) with Schorl. Top
Top
 

MA90R6: Parallel growth of crystals, some of them doubly terminated, very bright, with excellent blue color, more intense than usual with samples from this locality and with neat and bright terminations. On the Aquamarine there are small crystals, very well defined, of Schorl.
Erongo Mountain, Usakos, Erongo Region  Namibia (1990)

Specimen size: 4.4 × 4.2 × 3.7 cm = 1.73” × 1.65” × 1.46”

Main crystal size: 3 × 2.2 cm = 1.18” × 0.87”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Schorl with Quartz
 

DT37AC7: Aggregate of short prismatic Schorl crystals, some of them doubly terminated, with very well defined faces and edges. They are very bright and are with small Quartz crystals.
Davib East Farm 61 (Davib Ost Farm), Karibib District, Erongo Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 8 × 7.7 × 3.6 cm = 3.15” × 3.03” × 1.42”

Main crystal size: 3.9 × 2.4 cm = 1.54” × 0.94”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Schorl with Quartz. Schorl with Quartz.
Schorl with Beryl (Aquamarine)
Schorl with Beryl (Aquamarine). Schorl with Beryl (Aquamarine).
 

TP90S5: Crystals of Schorl formed by a single prism, a ditrigonal prism and the terminal faces of a rhombohedron. These faces are polycrystalline and partially skeletal, the walls of the edges being very well marked. The Schorl is with intense blue crystals of Beryl (Aquamarine), very transparent and bright.
Erongo Mountain, Usakos, Erongo Region  Namibia (1995)

Specimen size: 8.2 × 7.7 × 5.4 cm = 3.23” × 3.03” × 2.13”

Main crystal size: 5 × 3 cm = 1.97” × 1.18”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Schorl
 

MB99R8: Group of partially doubly terminated crystals with very well defined faces and edges and perfect terminations. We specially note the size of the main crystal, considerably larger than most from this locality.
Erongo Mountain, Usakos, Erongo Region  Namibia (2000)

Specimen size: 10 × 8 × 8.3 cm = 3.94” × 3.15” × 3.27”

Main crystal size: 7.4 × 7.3 cm = 2.91” × 2.87”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Schorl. Front
Front
Schorl. Side
Side
Galena with Sphalerite, Calcite, Tetrahedrite (group) and Chalcopyrite
Galena with Sphalerite, Calcite, Tetrahedrite (group) and Chalcopyrite. Front
Front
Galena with Sphalerite, Calcite, Tetrahedrite (group) and Chalcopyrite. Top
Top
Galena with Sphalerite, Calcite, Tetrahedrite (group) and Chalcopyrite. Galena with Sphalerite, Calcite, Tetrahedrite (group) and Chalcopyrite.
 

DB93AD9: Cubic Galena crystals with small octahedral faces. They are very well defined and extraordinarily bright, with polycrystalline and skeletal growths. They are with Sphalerite (marmatite variety), Tetrahedrite, Chalcopyrite and are coated by white growths of Calcite microcrystals. An excellent sample from the prestigious collection of Desmond Sacco.
Dalnegorsk, Dalnegorsk Urban District, Primorsky Krai  Russia

Specimen size: 11.7 × 9.7 × 8.3 cm = 4.61” × 3.82” × 3.27”

Main crystal size: 4 × 3.8 cm = 1.57” × 1.50”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Descloizite with Calcite
 

TG96Q3: The sample, an excellent miniature, is formed by bright aerial crystals of sharp crystals with very well defined faces and edges and on matrix.
Berg Aukas, Grootfontein District, Otjozondjupa Region  Namibia

Specimen size: 4.4 × 2.3 × 1.5 cm = 1.73” × 0.91” × 0.59”

Main crystal size: 1 × 0.7 cm = 0.39” × 0.28”

Descloizite with Calcite. Front
Front
Descloizite with Calcite. Side
Side
Skorpionite with Tarbuttite
Skorpionite with Tarbuttite.
Skorpionite with Tarbuttite. Detail
Detail
Skorpionite with Tarbuttite. Photo micro
Photo micro
 

MB70AA7: Aggregate of white acicular Skorpionite crystals. They are very bright and very rich for the species. The Skorpionite, very fluorescent under a UV lamp,is coating a matrix with Tarbuttite crystals with a uniform green color.
The sample, of great quality and from the type locality for the species, is from the Desmond Sacco collection whose label we will send to the buyer.
The specimen has been reviewed, photographed and published in the magazine ‘Rivista Mineralogica Italiana’ on page 202 in number 2015/3
Skorpion Mine, Rosh Pinah, Lüderitz District, ǁKaras Region  Namibia (2004)

Specimen size: 4.5 × 2.8 × 2.6 cm = 1.77” × 1.10” × 1.02”

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

Type locality

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection

Intense fluorescence short UV & minor fluorescence long UV
Prehnite with Quartz
 

MB6AI5: Double spheroidal Prehnite growth with very well defined polycrystalline surfaces. It is translucent, bright with a uniform pale green color and is implanted on a matrix coated by white Quartz. Of high quality, as is usual with samples from the Desmond Sacco collection.
Erongo Mountain, Usakos, Erongo Region  Namibia (±2008)

Specimen size: 5.8 × 5.2 × 3.5 cm = 2.28” × 2.05” × 1.38”

Main crystal size: 3.8 × 3.4 cm = 1.50” × 1.34”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Prehnite with Quartz. Front
Front
Prehnite with Quartz. Rear
Rear
Prehnite with Quartz. Top
Top
Stibnite with Baryte
Stibnite with Baryte. Front
Front
Stibnite with Baryte. Rear
Rear
 

DV6AC7: A cluster of Stibnite crystals, one of them clearly dominant, with a termination that is very rich in faces that are very well defined, bright and partially coated by very sharp and laminar Baryte crystals.
Kadamzhay Mine, Fergana Valley, Alai Range, Osh Oblast  Kyrgyzstan

Specimen size: 5.9 × 1.9 × 1 cm = 2.32” × 0.75” × 0.39”

Main crystal size: 5.9 × 0.7 cm = 2.32” × 0.28”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Doubly terminated Calcite
 

DR91AC7: Aggregate of Calcite crystals, some of them doubly terminated and one that is clearly dominant. They consist of a hexagonal prism and very flat terminal rhombohedra. They are colorless, clear, and very bright.
Dalnegorsk, Dalnegorsk Urban District, Primorsky Krai  Russia

Specimen size: 8.6 × 6 × 5.8 cm = 3.39” × 2.36” × 2.28”

Main crystal size: 8.2 × 3.4 cm = 3.23” × 1.34”

Fluorescence short UV & minor fluorescence long UV

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Doubly terminated Calcite. Front
Front
Doubly terminated Calcite. Side
Side
Doubly terminated Calcite. Top
Top

FSU

Calcite with inclusions
Calcite with inclusions. Calcite with inclusions.
 

DP89AC4: Aggregate of translucent pinkish Calcite crystals formed by a very short prism and a terminal rhombohedron and with a second generation of crystals with a similar shape but white in color and smaller. The sample is from the Desmond Sacco collection, whose label we’ll send to the buyer
Dalnegorsk, Dalnegorsk Urban District, Primorsky Krai  Russia

Specimen size: 9 × 8.5 × 5.8 cm = 3.54” × 3.35” × 2.28”

Main crystal size: 2.9 × 2.7 cm = 1.14” × 1.06”

Fluorescent long & short UV

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Sphalerite with Quartz
 

DE98AC4: Twinned Sphalerite crystal with an octahedral shape and clearly grooved polycrystalline vertices, with very well defined and bright faces and on a Quartz matrix. The sample is from the Desmond Sacco collection, whose label we’ll send to the buyer.
Dalnegorsk, Dalnegorsk Urban District, Primorsky Krai  Russia

Specimen size: 8.2 × 4.5 × 3.5 cm = 3.23” × 1.77” × 1.38”

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

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Sphalerite with Quartz. Front
Front
Sphalerite with Quartz. Side
Side
Galena with Siderite, Calcite, Chalcopyrite and Sphalerite
Galena with Siderite, Calcite, Chalcopyrite and Sphalerite. Front
Front
Galena with Siderite, Calcite, Chalcopyrite and Sphalerite. Side
Side
Galena with Siderite, Calcite, Chalcopyrite and Sphalerite.
 

SX89AJ0: Cubo-octahedral Galena crystals, with curvatures and very well defined dissolution shapes. They are extraordinarily bright, are with white rhombohedral Calcite crystals and are partially coated by spheroidal Siderite aggregates and small Chalcopyrite and Sphalerite crystals.
The sample was in the Desmond Sacco collection whose label we will send to the buyer.
Dalnegorsk, Dalnegorsk Urban District, Primorsky Krai  Russia

Specimen size: 12.6 × 11.7 × 5.6 cm = 4.96” × 4.61” × 2.20”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Cassiterite with Muscovite and Quartz (variety smoky)
 

DP98AF2: Twinned Cassiterite crystals that are transparent and extraordinarily bright, with very well defined faces and edges. They are on a rocky matrix coated by Muscovite crystals and transparent smoky Quartz crystals.
The sample is from the Desmond Sacco collection, whose label we’ll send to the buyer.
Merekski District, Bureya Massif, Khabarovsk Krai  Russia

Specimen size: 4.8 × 2.9 × 3.5 cm = 1.89” × 1.14” × 1.38”

Main crystal size: 1.4 × 1.2 cm = 0.55” × 0.47”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Cassiterite with Muscovite and Quartz (variety smoky). Cassiterite with Muscovite and Quartz (variety smoky).
Corundum
Corundum. Front
Front
Corundum. Side
Side
 

DD89AC7: Very thick tabular single crystal on matrix. It is very sharp, has very well defined faces and edges and it is translucent, very bright with an intense and deep blue color.
Pit 298, Ilmen Natural Reserve, Ilmenskie Mountains, Chelyabinsk Oblast, Ural Federal District  Russia

Specimen size: 4.8 × 4.6 × 3.4 cm = 1.89” × 1.81” × 1.34”

Main crystal size: 4 × 3.6 cm = 1.57” × 1.42”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Pyrrhotite with Calcite and Quartz
 

DT89AC7: Aggregate of short prismatic Pyrrhotite crystals with very well defined faces and edges. They are bright and partially coated by very small cubo-octahedral Galena crystals, very sharp rhombohedral Calcite and small Quartz crystals.
Dalnegorsk, Dalnegorsk Urban District, Primorsky Krai  Russia

Specimen size: 10.2 × 6.7 × 6.6 cm = 4.02” × 2.64” × 2.60”

Main crystal size: 5 × 4 cm = 1.97” × 1.57”

Calcite minor fluorescence long & short UV

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Pyrrhotite with Calcite and Quartz. Front
Front
Pyrrhotite with Calcite and Quartz. Side
Side
Pyrrhotite with Calcite and Quartz. Top
Top
Datolite with Fluorapophyllite-(K) and Garnet
Datolite with Fluorapophyllite-(K) and Garnet. Datolite with Fluorapophyllite-(K) and Garnet.
 

DG97AC7: Very well defined Datolite crystals, translucent, very bright, with an intense and uniform green color, partially coated by small Fluorapophyllite-(K) crystals and on a matrix very rich in garnet, probably Grossular.
Dalnegorsk, Dalnegorsk Urban District, Primorsky Krai  Russia

Specimen size: 7.2 × 5.3 × 3.5 cm = 2.83” × 2.09” × 1.38”

Main crystal size: 2.7 × 2 cm = 1.06” × 0.79”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Tourmaline with Quartz (variety smoky), 'lepidolite' and Feldspar
 

DX94AC4: A dominant crystal with very well defined faces and edges, formed by the ditrigonal prism and the terminal faces of a flattened pyramid and the pinacoid. Its color is between pink and red, quite uniform, with slightly violet shades on some prism areas and it is on a matrix of smoky Quartz, with 'lepidolite' and unidentified feldspar. The sample is from the Desmond Sacco collection, whose label we’ll send to the buyer.
Krasnyi Chikoy, Zabaykalsky Krai  Russia

Specimen size: 8.9 × 7.2 × 5.6 cm = 3.50” × 2.83” × 2.20”

Main crystal size: 6.7 × 3.8 cm = 2.64” × 1.50”

Fluorescence in the matrix (short and long UV)

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Tourmaline with Quartz (variety smoky), 'lepidolite' and Feldspar. Front
Front
Tourmaline with Quartz (variety smoky), 'lepidolite' and Feldspar. Rear
Rear
Tourmaline with Quartz (variety smoky), 'lepidolite' and Feldspar. Top
Top
Stibnite with Baryte
Stibnite with Baryte. Front
Front
Stibnite with Baryte. Rear
Rear
Stibnite with Baryte. Side
Side
 

DR26AC7: Divergent groups of Stibnite crystals, some of them with terminations that are very rich in faces. They are on a matrix of very sharp and laminar Baryte crystals.
This specimen was published on the Mineralogical Record´s web page, in the ‘What's New’ section, number 42, December 10, 2015 edition.
Kadamzhay Mine, Fergana Valley, Alai Range, Osh Oblast  Kyrgyzstan

Specimen size: 5.7 × 4.7 × 2.6 cm = 2.24” × 1.85” × 1.02”

Main crystal size: 4.3 × 0.3 cm = 1.69” × 0.12”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Azurite
 

MJ50R8: Group of slightly elongated lenticular crystals of intense and vivid blue color and translucent edges. The piece is a real rarity, coming from a very unknown mine.
Tschudi Mine, Otavi, Otjozondjupa Region  Namibia (±2007)

Specimen size: 4.6 × 3.3 × 2.7 cm = 1.81” × 1.30” × 1.06”

Main crystal size: 0.5 × 0.4 cm = 0.20” × 0.16”

With handwritten label from the Desmond Sacco Collection
Azurite. Front
Front
Azurite. Rear
Rear


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