Conichalcite cast with Calcite - image 1

Conichalcite cast with Calcite

Unknown Owner

This really funky small miniature specimen from Tsumeb mine balances rarity, beauty and complexity. Although Conichalcite (a copper calcium arsenate hydroxide) is known from many localities worldwide it remains a rare species and is only found within near surface supergene secondary oxidation deposits, usually as thin finely crystallized crusts or small spherical aggregates. The famous Tsumeb mine is one of the best-known occurrences for its richness in both coverage and colour. This small miniature specimen demonstrates its wonderful, somewhat exotic green colour, and presents an intriguing network of hollow casts with obvious surfaces representing the outline of former crystals, possibly after Calcite. Several fresh, colourless, glossy, flattened rhombic Calcite crystals are perched upon the green Conichalcite. These provide a wonderful contrast. Ex Weyand collection.