Olivenite on Quartz

Unknown Owner

This is a magnificent small cabinet specimen of superb Olivenite crystals masking a matrix of milky Quartz from Wheal Unity in Gwennap Parish, Cornwall. This civil parish is to the east of Redruth, one of the largest towns in Cornwall. A uniform crust of lustrous dark olive green (appearing almost black at their tips) terminated crystals of Olivenite form a hillocky, botryoidal surface covering a bed of white pyramidal terminated Quartz crystals below. Such Quartz crystals form a characteristic matrix for Wheal Unity Olivenites as seen in many old English collections, but rarely are the specimens so aesthetic. This is a delightful specimen of stunning crystal quality from this old Cornish location adjoining the more famous Wheal Gorland. The specimen comes with a purpose made acrylic base with a milled recess and support column.