Plumboan Aragonite var. Tarnowitzite (fl) and Calcite (fl) - image 1
Plumboan Aragonite var. Tarnowitzite (fl) and Calcite (fl) - image 2
Plumboan Aragonite var. Tarnowitzite (fl) and Calcite (fl) - image 3
Plumboan Aragonite var. Tarnowitzite (fl) and Calcite (fl) - image 4
Plumboan Aragonite var. Tarnowitzite (fl) and Calcite (fl) - image 5
Plumboan Aragonite var. Tarnowitzite (fl) and Calcite (fl) - image 6
Plumboan Aragonite var. Tarnowitzite (fl) and Calcite (fl) - image 7
Plumboan Aragonite var. Tarnowitzite (fl) and Calcite (fl) - image 8
Plumboan Aragonite var. Tarnowitzite (fl) and Calcite (fl) - image 9
Plumboan Aragonite var. Tarnowitzite (fl) and Calcite (fl) - image 10

Plumboan Aragonite var. Tarnowitzite (fl) and Calcite (fl)

Unknown Owner
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Crystals of Tarnowitzite (Plumboan Aragonite) have a distinct and attractive look all their own. Nicely terminated, these crystals create their own dense forest of white, and look for the world-like the carbonate version of columnar jointing. The translucent crystals, which range up to 1.7 cm, have good pearlescent luster, sharp pyramidal terminations, and tapered bodies. They surround a rounded cluster of what was originally thought to be Smithsonite (old label), but the intense red fluorescence reveals its true identity to be Calcite, and unusual Calcite at that. The Tarnowitzite has a gentle blue-white fluorescence, as well. Likely mined in the early 1900s from the first oxidation zone, this small cab is an impressive, old-time combination piece from the great Tsumeb Mine.

Product details

SizeSmall Cabinet
Dimensions8.1 x 3.9 x 3.5 cm
Added on10/23/2024

Known provenance

DateCollectorAcquisition price
08/2024Unknown OwnerNot disclosed
The ArkenstoneNot disclosed

Learn more

Calcite
Mineral guide
Learn about Calcite
diverse shapes, colors, and optical quirks; widely available yet scarce elite pieces from Elmwood and Charcas drive collecting value and display.
Regional guide
Calcite from Tsumeb
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    Plumboan Aragonite var. Tarnowitzite (fl) and Calcite (fl) - Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia