Tarbuttite on Matrix

$4,250.00

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The ArkenstoneFeatured

3,403 for sale·Member since 2026

The Skorpion Mine in Namibia was started in 2000 as a major zinc ore producer, but it also is the source of some attractive zinc-bearing species such as Tarbuttite. Few trickled out to mineral collectors, but the best of them - such as this - are regarded as among best of species material. Typically, this species is not terribly attractive, as the crystals are often white/colorless, but the specimens from this locality have a gorgeous, soft green pastel hue and this swirling, wavelike crystal form. This small-cabinet piece features attractive, pale-green, "fan"-shaped crystal clusters sitting on grey, crystalline matrix. Perfectly mounted and contrasting, this is one of the best in size range that would have come out - not the richest by any means, but in terms of isolation and elegance, unique. The fan-like growths have very well-defined faces and edges, are translucent, and the largest is actually a pair that forms a near-bowtie that is 4 cm tip-to-tip. Additionally, the Tarbuttite exhibits a beautiful, soft-orange fluorescence. The crystals are remarkable, and are of great quality both for the species and for the locality. Liebetrau collection.