Azurite, Cerussite and Arsentsumebite crystals from the Tsumeb Mine, Otavi Mountains, Namibia– miniature specimen as unique piece
This miniature specimen displays a highly contrasting paragenesis of Azurite, Cerussite, and Arsentsumebite from the Tsumeb Mine. The deep blue Azurite crystals are well developed and clearly recognizable, forming compact, angular aggregates with lustrous crystal faces. They are set on a striking light green to yellow-green Arsentsumebite matrix, which occurs as fine-grained, locally crusty coatings. Intergrown between them are numerous small, colorless to white Cerussite crystals, appearing as transparent to slightly milky individual crystals and small groups. The crystals are clearly developed and easily identifiable, making this specimen mineralogically and aesthetically very appealing.
Geology & Origin
The Tsumeb Mine in the Otavi Mountains, Namibia, is world-renowned for its extraordinarily diverse and vividly colored secondary mineral assemblages. Azurite and Cerussite form in the oxidation zone of primary copper and lead sulfides, while Arsentsumebite is a characteristic arsenate mineral of this locality. The close association of these three minerals reflects complex geochemical alteration processes under varying conditions and is typical of classic Tsumeb specimens.