Native Copper, Mimetesite xls; Tsumeb Mine, Otavi Mountains, Namibia; Cab; unique piece
Native Copper and Mimetesite crystals from the Tsumeb Mine, Otavi Mountains, Namibia – cabinet specimen as unique piece
This cabinet specimen features Native Copper in irregular, metallic-lustrous masses accompanied by yellow to honey-colored Mimetite crystals. The Mimetite crystals are loosely to densely distributed on the dark, iron-rich matrix, forming fine-grained to clearly discernible aggregates that create a strong visual contrast with the metallic copper. The combination of native metal and warm-toned Mimetite crystals gives the specimen a vivid and classic appearance, characteristic of high-quality material from Tsumeb.
Geology & Origin
The Tsumeb Mine in the Otavi Mountains, Namibia, is one of the world’s most important polymetallic deposits. Native Copper occurs here as a secondary mineral within the oxidation zone, while Mimetite forms as a lead arsenate mineral under oxidizing conditions. The association of Native Copper and Mimetite is typical for Tsumeb and is highly valued by collectors for both its aesthetic appeal and mineralogical significance.
This table is for general information and orientation, although the sizes of the stones may vary. In addition, this specification is handled differently from region to region.
| Sizes | Description | approx. Sizes in mm/cm | approx. Sizes in INCH | |
| Capsule | Capsule | 0.1–0.5 mm in a transparent hard capsule (approx. 1 cm) | capsule contents 0.1–0.5 mm | capsule contents 0.004–0.02 in |
| TN/mm | Micromount (TN = Thumbnail) | everything fitting in a TN Perky box or a MM box of approx. 1 in | approx. 0.5–2.5 cm | max. 1 in |
| Min | Miniature specimen | will not fit a TN or MM box anymore | approx. 2.5–5 cm | approx. 0.2–1.0 in |
| Scab | small cabinet specimen | approx. one-third to half a hand size | approx. 5–9 cm | approx. 1.0–2.0 in |
| Cab | cabinet specimen | full hand size | approx. 9–15 cm | approx. 2.0–3.5 in |
| large Cab | large cabinet specimen | approx. two hand sizes | approx. 15–30 cm | approx. 3.5–6.0 in |
| very large Cab | very large cabinet specimen | everything larger, no upper limit |
Abbreviations commonly used in mineralogy.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
| xl | single crystal, possible with matrix |
| xls | noticeable crystals |
| (xl) | embedded or damaged |
| (xls) | embeddet or damaged |
| MASS | massive and/or amorphous pieces |
| TYP | type locality of the original description |
| SWUV | shortwave-UV-reaction |
| UV | ultraviolet reaction |
| SC | self-collected |
| U | unique (single unique piece) |
Usage Instructions
This product is ideal as a collector's item, decorative element, teaching material, or for scientific and exhibition purposes.
Legal Notices
Safety
We accept no liability for damages resulting from improper and/or non-recommended use. Please carefully assess the suitability of the product before any alternative use.
Responsible Provider
Mikon Mineralienkontor GmbH
Steinslieth 11
D-37130 Gleichen OT Klein Lengden
Email: info@mikon-online.com
| shipment-weight, NOT netto weight (kg) | 0.100000 |
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