Name: Willemite and Calcite ps. after Azurite with Mimetite
Brand: The Arkenstone
Price: 5000 USD
Availability: InStock

Willemite and Calcite ps. after Azurite with Mimetite

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A super interesting and super rare pseudomorph from Tsumeb; Willemite and Calcite after Azurite with Mimetite! This is one of the rarest pseudomorphs we know of from Tsumeb featuring barely discernible Azurite crystal forms being replaced by both colorful Willemite and white Calcite. Open areas into the prominent, 3cm long Azurite forms reveal a sky blue interior represented by Willemite that is jacketed by ivory Calcite that also blankets much of the surface of this piece, along with a not-so-apparent coating of Willemite. The placement of the Azurite pseudomorph cluster at the top of the piece is just as dramatic as the replacement textures! The nature of the Azurite replacement by Willemite and Calcite revealed by both short- and long-wave UV light as shown in the photos. Tiny, 2 to 3mm, glistening, hexagonal pyramidal, yellow Mimetite crystals are found sparingly on the front of the piece and scattered rather abundantly on the back and is late in the mineral paragenesis here. Spectacular display specimen, that we trimmed down from a very large cabinet piece out of an old collection! These are thought to have come out in the first oxide zone, 100 or more years ago, and are seldom seen for sale.