Gartrellite with Zincolivenite

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Tsumeb mine in Namibia is renowned for its excellent crystals of Zincolivenite and also as a source of Gartrellite, a rare lead copper iron arsenate hydroxide hydrate. Occassionally, the two species occur together, producing a nice contrast in colours and textures, from glossy to waxy deep forest-green Zincolivenite and powdery sulphur-yellow Gartrellite. This small miniature specimen from Tsumeb features both, with a divergent spray of thick-set glossy green Zincolivenite crystals (to 1.6 cm in length) grown outwards, but into the matrix of the specimen, so its central point is on the outside, and the terminations are partially obscured. So, although very rich in Zincolivenite, the crystals are not perfect. The matrix into which the Zincolivenite crystals are grown is mainly powdery yellow, to pale yellow Gartrellite, with grey-white veinlets possibly of Quartz.