Smithsonite, Cerussite xls; Tsumeb Mine, Otavi Mountains, Namibia; Ilse Baer collection; Min; unique piece
Smithsonite and Cerussite crystals from the Tsumeb Mine, Otavi Mountains, Namibia, Ilse Baer collection – miniature specimen as unique piece
This miniature specimen shows Smithsonite and Cerussite crystals from the famous Tsumeb Mine in the Otavi Mountains, Namibia, from the Ilse Baer collection. The piece is dominated by pale to light green Smithsonite with a compact crystalline development on a light-colored matrix. The crystals display a vitreous to slightly matte surface with clearly recognizable crystal structures. Colorless to white Cerussite occurs as small crystalline aggregates between and on the Smithsonite. The association of both minerals creates a well-balanced interplay of color and texture. This is a classic collector specimen that was verifiably collected prior to 1972.
Geology & Origin
The Tsumeb Mine is regarded as one of the world’s most important polymetallic deposits and is renowned for its exceptional diversity of secondary minerals. Smithsonite and Cerussite formed in the oxidation zone of the deposit through the alteration of primary zinc and lead sulfides. The Ilse Baer collection is well known for high-quality, early Tsumeb specimens and documents historic material from the period before large-scale modern mining.
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) | 0.080000 |
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