Germanite from the Tsumeb Mine, Otavi Mountains, Namibia, Ilse Baer Collection– miniature specimen as unique piece
This miniature specimen with Germanite from the Tsumeb Mine, Otavi Mountains, Namibia, originates from the Ilse Baer collection and was collected before 1972. The piece shows a compact dark reddish brown to violet brown matrix with embedded metallic to dull areas. The Germanite is embedded within the rock and give the specimen its characteristic color and structure.
The historical provenance from an important collection and the pre 1972 origin emphasize the collector value of this miniature specimen from the classic Tsumeb locality.
Geology & Origin
Germanite is a rare copper iron germanium sulfide formed in complex polymetallic deposits. The Tsumeb Mine is world famous for its exceptional diversity of germanium bearing minerals. The deposit is characterized by a complex geochemical evolution that led to the formation of numerous rare sulfides and secondary minerals. Germanite typically occurs in close association with other copper and zinc sulfides at this locality.
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) |
embedded 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
