Sphalerite xls; Tsumeb Mine, Otavi Mountains, Namibia; Ilse Baer collection; TN; unique piece
Sphalerite crystals from the Tsumeb Mine, Otavi Mountains, Namibia, Ilse Baer collection – micromount as unique piece
This micromount specimen with Sphalerite crystals from the Tsumeb Mine, Otavi Mountains, Namibia originates from the Ilse Baer collection. The small specimen shows a compact crystal group on matrix where the Sphalerite crystals display their characteristic crystal habit.
The crystals show a brown to honey colored tone and exhibit the typical tetrahedral to complex crystal faces characteristic of this zinc sulfide mineral. Despite the small size of the specimen, the crystal forms are clearly recognizable and give the piece a well defined mineralogical structure.
Geology & Origin
The Tsumeb Mine in the Otavi Mountains of Namibia is one of the most important classic mineral localities in the world. The deposit formed within a strongly mineralized carbonate body that was enriched with numerous metallic minerals through hydrothermal processes. Sphalerite is an important primary zinc mineral of this deposit and commonly occurs together with other sulfide minerals.
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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