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

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.

Unknown Owner

Product details

Species

Olivenite

SizeSmall Cabinet

Dimensions5.0 x 8.6 x 5.0 cm

Locality

Namibia, Oshikoto Region, Tsumeb

Added on10/24/2024

Comments

Known provenance

Unknown date