Willemite and Rosasite on Calcite

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Willemite is a rare and fascinating zinc-bearing mineral species: one which in some instances (eg Franklin) is vividly fluorescent under UV light, but pretty ugly and dull in normal light; whilst at Tsumeb mine it is more colourful and glassy, but less obviously fluorescent. This very well balanced larger miniature-sized specimen from Tsumeb mine features iconic duck-egg blue Willemite as globular aggregates ranging from 2 to 5 mm in diameter sat upon a crust of bright white Calcite and with minor Rosasite in association. The Willemite also occurs as small prismatic crystals with 'domed' terminations giving the impression of rounded spheres end-on. It is a really lovely display of this much sought-after colour and form of Willemite. Ex Weyand Collection.