Tarnowitzite on Smithsonite, with Cerussite - image 1

Tarnowitzite on Smithsonite, with Cerussite - image 2

Tarnowitzite on Smithsonite, with Cerussite - image 4

Tarnowitzite on Smithsonite, with Cerussite - image 5

Tarnowitzite on Smithsonite, with Cerussite - image 6

Tarnowitzite on Smithsonite, with Cerussite

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Excellent and quite uncommon in combination, this large thumbnail features a robust single textbook crystal of tarnowitzite on sparkling jewels of Smithsonite, a signature species of Tsumeb. Tarnowitzite is an attractive lead-rich variety of Aragonite. Razor-sharp, lustrous, gemmy, and an unusual brown (from traces of Fe and/or Mg), there are seemingly a hundred 1-2 mm rhombs of Smithsonite. Grouped into small, connected clusters, they form a sparkly and attractive matrix. Equally showy are the intergrown pair of white, possibly doubly terminated, and lustrous Tarnowitzites. They display very well atop the Smithsonites, and the contrast in both color and form, is highly aesthetic and unique! A bonus is a small 1 cm cerussite on the back of, and embedded in, the tarnowitzite crystal. Dr. Erika Pohl-Ströher - 29314.