Cu-Adamite included with Ferrilotharmeyerite, on Tsumcorite - image 1

Cu-Adamite included with Ferrilotharmeyerite, on Tsumcorite - image 2

Cu-Adamite included with Ferrilotharmeyerite, on Tsumcorite

Tsumeb has produced some of the best specimens of adamite known with sharp crystals as you see here; but the colors in this are unusual. Not only is it green (cuprian) but it has unusual metallic yellow inclusions. This is now known to be the rare arsenate Ferrilotharmeyerite, preserved as inclusions within. This thumbnail is comprised of several, flat-lying, orthorhombic adamite crystals ranging up to about 8 mm. On each crystal there is some of this yellowish-tan overgrowth, that complements the green of the adamite. What jumps out is the gemminess of the crystals just below the surface, as well. Quite unexpected, when lit well the crystals shimmer like mother-of-pearl with a translucent sheen, almost akin the the green fire often seen in the best dioptases. This appearance ia both startling and mesmerizing. A great aesthetic. Olivenite forms a solid solution series with adamite, with zincolivenite being very similar in chemistry and form to copper-bearing adamite, thus making identification tricky sometimes (but this style is traditionally described as adamite variety cuprian). This uncommon Tsumeb classic has a beautiful aesthetic all its own, with a bonus: the sparkling brown-yellow carpet is the rare species tsumcorite, and this is very rich!

Unknown Owner

Product details

Species

Tsumcorite, Adamite

SizeThumbnail

Dimensions2.0 x 1.7 x 0.8 cm

Locality

Namibia, Oshikoto Region, Tsumeb

Added on10/17/2025

Comments

Known provenance

Unknown date