Conichalcite with Calcite on Dolomite on Calcite - image 1

Conichalcite with Calcite on Dolomite on Calcite

Unknown Owner

This is a fascinating and beautiful miniature specimen from the world famous Tsumeb copper mine. Although not essential, the use of magnification brings this wonderful piece into a whole new dimension. Paragenetically, early rhombic Calcite crystals are entirely coated by finely crystallized cream coloured Dolomite which is in turn coated by leaf-green coloured globular microcrystals of Conichalcite. Under magnification and illumination, the green colour is quite bright, much more so than Duftite. This lovely combination is elevated by a second generation of rhombic Calcite crystals, which are totally transparent and colourless, providing 'windows' through which the Conichalcite crystals can be viewed. There is very slight abrasion to the edges of some of these colourless Calcite crystals, but this is only apparent under strong magnification. Otherwise, it is an exceptional Tsumeb miniature. Ex Kessler Collection.