Descloizite (unique crystallization)

Item Description

The famed Berg Aukus Mine in Namibia produced what are inarguably the most extraordinary Descloizite specimens extant. The crystallization seen in these piece varies widely from gorgeous "arrowhead"-shaped crystals, to narrow prisms to complex modified clusters, with many other styles in between. These world-class pieces not only have set the standard of excellence for this zinc analogue of Mottramite, but they have largely disappeared from the market, especially in pieces of this size and quality. This piece is a gorgeous small cabinet display specimen filled with excellent, sharp, well-formed brown crystals with a rarely bladed, "stacked" style group sitting on matrix. A piece with such excellent and dramatic crystallization is not only rare, but highly desirable among knowledgeable collectors. The piece is very aesthetic and virtually damage free as far as I can see with the naked eye. The largest crystal measures 1.5 cm.
From the collection of Robert (Bob) Reynolds who passed in August of 2020. Bob was a well-known fossil and mineral expert and former Curator of Earth Sciences at the San Bernardino County Museum in California. The rare phyllomanganate-chromate species Reynoldsite was named in his honor in 2011.