Cuprian Dolomite

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Cuprian Dolomite, a green, copper-bearing variety of Dolomite, is pretty rare on a world-scale but, as with many things, the remarkable Tsumeb mine in Namibia throws up these weird and wonderful varieties. This cabinet-sized specimen from the Weyand collection is not only big, but bold, and sculptural in its form. Like an open mouth, the front of the specimen is an open Cuprian Dolomite-lined cavity but the edges are thin, where whatever the Dolomite grew on has peeled, or dissolved away, leaving behind just the thin (c. 5 mm wide) layer of botryoidal Cuprian Dolomite. Its already wonderful form is enhanced by its subtle mint-green colour and pearlescent lustre.