Chalcotrichite included Cerussite with Malachite - image 1

Chalcotrichite included Cerussite with Malachite

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One of the rarest mineral occurrences at Tsumeb is when chalcotrichite, a fibrous variety of cuprite, includes other minerals. Here, a lustrous, 8 mm cerussite crystal is completely infused by the chalcotrichite, which imparts an attractive, almost burnt-orange color to the crystal. This cerussite then contrasts beautifully, in both color and form, with the velvety, green balls of malachite. The tabular pieces of off-white matrix, which are sharp and set at an acute angle to each other, not only add a sculptural aspect to the aesthetics, but they provide a PERFECT way to mount this excellent thumbnail. Because these specimens are distinctive and memorable, many people think they are common, but the opposite is true. They are rare and highly sought-after old classics, found in only a couple of pockets in the 1970s-80s.