Cuprite var. Chalcotrichite and Smithsonite

Item Description

Tsumeb is known for combination pieces but this is a highly unusual one, that we had not seen before - and in a large cabinet specimen as well! This specimen draws the eye with bright, fibrous, magenta-red clusters of Cuprite var. Chalcotrichite that are protectively emplaced in recesses of the mounded, botryoidal Smithsonite, giving the piece a highly unusual visual presentation. The lustrous needles of Chalcotrichite or "hairy copper", are in tight aggregates situated in small alcoves between Smithsonite botryoids and mounds. Their delicate, hair-like needles are tightly interwoven in these clusters. The Smithsonite consists of a wealth of tightly grouped crystals that festoon the irregular matrix surfaces completely covering it and resulting in a very three-dimensional piece. The Smithsonite color is almost a prehnite green-gray and complements the bright red patches of Chalcotrichite. This is a very rare, important, and perhaps unprecedented in this size, specimen of the species and locality. Valued $3500-4500.