Olmiite

Unknown Owner

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This is one of the very few larger specimens of matrix, rich with multiple crystals to 8 mm individually though some are clustered into larger groups. These come from a small part of the pocket collected by well-known miner here, Paul Balayer. It is a very aesthetic specimen nearly 4 inches across, with remarkable contrast between the sharp and symmetric olmiites, and the rolling matrix underneath (sparkling little calcites dusted with white oyelite). This piece is very 3-dimensional, with elegant olmiite crystals climbing up one side like hikers on a mountain. The crystals have high luster, great translucency, and a very unique overall aspect compared to other mineral specimens. It looks for all the world like a Tsumeb cobaltian smithsonite specimen of top quality - and quite unlike previous finds of olmiite, with these unusual, flattened, squarish crystals. I saw the majority of this pocket laid out in front of me, and this is one of the very few (under a dozen) large and fine specimens of this style that were found.