Galena with Quartz

Tsumeb is considered the greatest mine of all time when it comes to the range and quality of the mineral specimens from there, but for some reason galena itself is scarce from here despite all the rich lead mineralization! Both galena and quartz are more on the uncommon side, but to have them in combination makes this miniature even more unusual. To my mind, this galena crystal is exceptional. 1.4 cm in size, it is a modified cuboctahedron that is sharp and well-displayed on a layer of small, flat-lying quartz. The galena has several characteristics that are both intriguing and atypical. First, the crystal is coated by a secondary overgrowth of micro galena that gives the surface a distinct texture and beautiful shimmer. Secondly, the two opposing cubic faces are offset as if the a-b plane is a twinning plane of some sort. Indeed, along this crystal edge the secondary overgrowth is krinkled, as if there is a degree of offset along this plane. It reminds me of the surface features along a strike-slip fault. This is a significant and fascinating Tsumeb galena with excellent aesthetics. Superb and frankly amazing for any Tsumeb thumbnail suite. Dr. Erika Pohl-Ströher - 83117

Unknown Owner

Product details

Species

Quartz, Galena

SizeMiniature

Dimensions2.7 x 2.3 x 2.3 cm

Locality

Namibia, Oshikoto Region, Tsumeb

Added on10/17/2025

Comments

Known provenance

2025/10