Descloizite - image 1

Descloizite

Unknown Owner
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An astoundingly big and rich specimen of large, fine crystals of descloizite, from Berg Aukus, the prime locality in the world for this species. This monster cluster of big crystals formed around a knob of matrix. And, the crystals have beautiful form - the most "classic" form for the species (though there are many): arched stacks of bladed crystal. An astonishing specimen well above the average. Probably mined in the 1970s.

Product details

SpeciesDescloizite
SizeCabinet
Dimensions10.4 x 8.4 x 5.9 cm
Added on10/23/2024
LocalityNamibia, Otjozondjupa Region, Berg Aukas Mine

Known provenance

DateCollectorAcquisition price
08/2024Unknown OwnerNot disclosed
—The ArkenstoneNot disclosed

Learn more

Descloizite
Mineral guide
Learn about Descloizite
lead-zinc vanadate with lustrous rosettes, black-to-brown tones, and warm translucence; top localities Otavi, Namibia and Ojuela, Mexico.
Descloizite
Regional guide
Descloizite from Berg Aukas Mine, Namibia
Berg Aukas descloizite is one of the great “species-defining” classics: the locality by which serious collectors judge descloizite. The best pieces have a sculptural, almost architectural presence—dark brown to nearly black spear-point crystals, glossy blades, jackstraw bundles, radiating rosettes, and sharply terminated clusters that can look metallic under a show lamp yet glow warm reddish brown along thinner edges. Many specimens sit in pleasing contrast on pale calcite, dolomite, smithsonite, or willemite-bearing matrix, giving the dark vanadate crystals the visual authority of black lacquer against limestone.