Azurite and Arsentsumebite on Bayldonite ps. Mimetite

Item Description

Azurites are one of the great Tsumeb Mine's signature species, and this excellent, small-cabinet piece has many of the characteristics that make these Azurites so desirable. Highly lustrous and slightly etched, the rich cluster of stout, tabular, midnight-blue Azurites, up to 1.4 cm, angle in all directions as they extend entirely across the specimen. Add a phenomenally rich layer of bright-green, sparkling Arsentsumebite, for which Tsumeb is the TYPE LOCALITY, and you immediately have a classic combination piece. But that's not all. Underneath are large crystals of bayldonite replaced mimetites, helping give some structure to the matrix beneath the coating. Finally: Look closely, and you will see that the Azurites are dotted with gemmy, mm-size crystals of calcite or smithsonite, or both. These add even more interest on every level to this already highly-aesthetic, exemplary combination piece from Tsumeb. On the bottom is the number R8551 on white, which sure looks like the old label style and is a marker for a specimen from the Washington Roebling collection, though we have no other label with it.