Small but pretty miniature from Tsumeb of course. The Smithsonite is well-crystalized with gemmy dark pink color that is almost purple. Scattered in this are gemmy butterscotch yellow-orange Wulfenites that are also gemmy. The matrix is a nice contrast and the whole is in excellent condition. Many pink Smithsonites are mistakenly called Cobaltoan when often the color is actually from Manganese, Iron or another source. We are fairly sure this is indeed Cobaltoan Smithsonite based on the paragenesis and match to another well-tested sample. No matter the chromophore here the specimen is richly colorful, attractive and a very nice association that is not crazy expensive for one of these.
Striking, colorful and complex specimen with well-defined Wulfenite crystals that are partly to fully overgrown with bright green secondary copper minerals. In fine condition as seen, the largest Wulfenites are over 1.5 CM with a butterscotch orange color. Tsumeb is famed for its great specimens with diverse species, habits, colors and chemistries. The results are sometimes especially attractive like this. The associations here are especially impressive.
Bright pink Smithsonite crystals are nicely protected in a vug on the matrix. From Tsumeb, this intense color had always been labeled as Cobaltoan Smithsonite but recent studies show that not all pink from Tsumeb has Cobalt, so without an analysis we simply call this pink. In excellent condition inside the vug, the only minor bruises are at the outer edges. For a Smithsonite color suite this is a nice addition with rich deep color that is not the typical pale pink of Tsumeb.
A serious specimen of Carminite from Tsumeb. This has a super rich zone of free standing Carminite crystals easily seen by naked eye. These show the bright scarlet color that is so distinctive and contrast well. The Carminites are mixed with lustrous Beudantite crystals that look almost black by naked eye but with strong lighting or good magnification they show very well their color. There are three older labels in addition to ours with this specimen; only one (Pequa rare minerals) indicates the source. This is an old piece from prior to 1965 but it is not clear how much older this is. Though the Carminites here are quite visible by naked eye (which is not common) they are amazing under a microscope.
A complex and unusual Tsumeb specimen from the important collection of Cors De Bruin who was employed at Tsumeb starting in 1947. His label gives us the rare detail of locality (30 Level) and has his observation "real mixed-up thing!". The matrix is a heavy mass of Copper/Cuprite that is host to several vugs and zones packed with small crystals and botryoidal masses. The Wulfenites here are mostly the bipyramidal habit. This small specimen is loaded with Copper, Zinc and Lead minerals, the kind of mixing that really only is seen at Tsumeb and one of the reasons it is so revered by collectors.
SOLD Copper and Mimetite etc
stock #SOLD 16.1-664
Tsumeb
Otjikoto Region,
Namibia
4.1 x 3.2 x 2.3 CM (miniature)
price: $0
Pre Tucson
An unusual multi-specie piece from the incredible Tsumeb Mine. Native copper in branching fingers and thin wires are protruding from a complex matrix with a few yellow Mimetites crystals among other species. Tsumeb is famed for its odd mixtures of species, forms and chemical elements. A cute miniature that has the uncommon combination of Copper and Lead elements.
Smithsonite
stock #16.1-352
Tsumeb
Otjikoto Region,
Namibia
5 x 4.7 x 4.2 CM (miniature)
price: $440
Pre Tucson
A fine very deep green Smithsonite from Tsumeb. Tsumeb Smithsonite are found in almost every color and hue, it is not surprising that several collectors have specialized on the amazing array the mine has produced during its lifetime. This dark green is a very uncommon color and the specimen shows both classic botryoidal forms and some crude but still distinct crystals. In excellent condition overall, only edge chipping where this was removed, the main zones are perfect.
Cerussite - fine twinned crystals
stock #22.1-173
Tsumeb
Otjikoto Region,
Namibia
4.3 x 3.8 x 2.4 CM (miniature)
price: $2200
Pre Tucson
Even though Tsumeb produced many good Cerussites, it is very rare to find a perfect, complete floater twin like this. No damage and with classic form, the crystals also show a rather unusual etching across the broad faces that makes very intricate striations. Not at all a typical twin this has some minor color zoning as well. Silky luster and textbook perfect, even better in person.