Leiteite xls; Tsumeb Mine, Otavi Mountains, Namibia; Ilse Baer collection; TN; unique piece
Leiteite crystals from the Tsumeb Mine, Otavi Mountains, Namibia, Ilse Baer collection – micromount as unique piece
This micromount specimen from before 1972 shows Leiteite crystals from the Tsumeb Mine in Namibia and originates from the Ilse Baer collection. The piece stands out due to its unusual crystal habit and the elegant slender formation of this rare sulfosalt mineral.
The Leiteite crystals appear colorless to whitish and show a distinctly elongated acicular to bladed habit. The crystals are clearly recognizable and display a fine parallel striation with a silky to vitreous luster. Their slender shape gives the specimen a particularly aesthetic and delicate appearance.
Geology & Origin
Leiteite is a rare lead sulfosalt forming in the oxidation zone of complex ore deposits. It develops under specific geochemical conditions and is among the typical rare secondary minerals of the Tsumeb deposit.
The Tsumeb Mine in the Otavi Mountains is world famous for its exceptional mineral diversity. Rare sulfosalts such as Leiteite occur here in remarkable quality and are often represented in historic collections such as the Ilse Baer collection.
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
| shipment-weight, NOT netto weight (kg) | 0.050000 |
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