Calcite on Conichalcite - image 1

Calcite on Conichalcite

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A classic specimen of beautiful rhombohedral, sharp-edged crystals of Calcite set against a carpet of rich leaf-green Conichalcite from the Tsumeb Mine in the Oshikoto Region of Namibia. The Calcite crystals have developed as equant (equal-sided) rhombs and as flattened, more tabular rhombs. Although essentially colourless, all crystals are tinted a greyish-cream, especially towards their centres. The prism faces are glassy-smooth and mirror-bright and at certain angles give a play of iridescent interference colours from both their surface and internally. The Calcite rhombs also catch the light giving superb internal reflections, making them appear backlit. The solid, iron-stained Dolomite matrix naturally positions the display face at one of either two angles, according to which side of the base the specimen rests on. The Conichalcite forms a solid covering of sub-mm botryoidal crystal aggregates which provide a velvety backdrop to the Calcite. A Tsumeb classic.

Product details

SizeCabinet
Dimensions8.5 x 12.2 x 6.4 cm
Added on10/24/2024
Current owner
Unknown Owner
Acquired
Jul 2026
Price paid
$12,500.00
Previous owners
DateCollectorAcquisition price
—Crystal ClassicsNot 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.
Calcite
Regional guide
Calcite from Tsumeb
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Locality guide
Tsumeb
Tsumeb, Namibia — world-renowned locality famed for a rich copper–lead–zinc ore pipe, with dioptase on calcite, azurite blades, and smithsonite prized by colle…