Updated 1d ago

Olivenite

$950.00

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T

The ArkenstoneFeatured

3,403 for sale·Member since 2026

This is an excellent example of the mineral formerly known as Olivenite (now reclassified as Zincolivenite) from the legendary Tsumeb Mine in Namibia. Comprised primarily of a single, deep-green unusually robust crystal, this thumbnail has several attractive characteristics that adds to its quality. The crystal is prismatic with a classic, chisel-point termination. Within that, the actual texture of the surface is jagged and sharp on a micro scale. Whether from growth or from subsequent etching, these sharp edges allow light to pass through efficiently, thus showing off the true, green color to good effect. There is a small sidecar that adds even more to the aesthetics. Being so richly deep dark green, it would not be unreasonable to consider this a Cuproadamite (and they were labelled as Cu-Adamite or as Olivenite about 50-50 split over the decades until this was sorted out). This specimen is indeed within the Adamite-Olivenite solution series and such relationships within the solution series has historically made visual identification a bit more problematic. Choice, stark single crystal with dramatic termination! From the well-known Tsumeb-specific thumbnail collection of Dick and Mary Nelson, built mostly from 1980-2010. Laszlo Kupi photo.