Olivenite with Gartrellite ps. after Mimetite Bayldonite and Malachite ps. after Azurite

Unknown Owner
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Let me begin by saying I've personally collected Tsumeb minerals for 35 years and regarding specimens of Olivenite, this is certainly right up there with the best and most interesting. A very rich and mineralogically complex supergene cabinet specimen of dark olive-green crystalline Olivenite with neon yellow lime green Gartrellite and green Bayldonite forming pseudomorphs after Mimetite. A later development of bladed Azurite crystals, partly replaced by Malachite, has also formed on the Olivenite. The Olivenite forms superbly crystallised spherical clusters to about 4 mm diameter all over the specimen, contrasting wonderfully against the Gartrellite. The majority of the base is a solid mass of Gartrellite, with an intensity of vibrant lime green akin to that of uranium minerals. Where the Azurite is unaltered, it remains a stunning inky to electric blue and where pseudomorphed to Malachite, this forms velvet textured replicas of the Azurite morphology, as fine acicular silky fibrous crystals. A magnificent specimen, one brimming with paragenesis to study and enjoy from the Tsumeb mine in the Oshikoto Region of Namibia. The specimen is accompanied with a Crystal Cellar label.

Product details

SizeSmall Cabinet
Dimensions5.0 x 8.6 x 5.0 cm
Added on10/24/2024

Known provenance

DateCollectorAcquisition price
02/2025Unknown Owner$8,500.00
Crystal ClassicsNot disclosed

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Olivenite
Mineral guide
Learn about Olivenite
, copper arsenate hydroxide; olive to yellow-green crystals with varied habits, prized by collectors from Cornwall to Tsumeb and Cap Garonne.
Olivenite
Regional guide
Olivenite from Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
from Tsumeb Mine, Namibia — connoisseur’s arsenate prized for olive- to forest-green crystals, dramatic habit, and valuable provenance.