Arthurite on Tennantite ore

Item Description

Arthurite is a Tsumeb rarity and one end of the piece has significant clusters of this rare hydrated copper-iron arsenate. The matrix is a solid, anhedral (non crystallized) piece of shimmering metallic, gray-black Tennantite ore, which is interesting in itself. The Arthurite occurs in an elongate vug at one end of the piece where it appears that the Tennantite has experienced dissolution and alteration to this secondary arsenate. It is an olive-green crust composed of dozens upon dozens of micro=prismatic crystals on small ridges and 1 to 2 mm clusters. They look fantastic under a loupe or microscope! Please note: visually and by association and label, this seems reasonable to assume is arthurite - however, it has not been tested by us after receiving from the owner.