Duftite (var: Duftite-β) pseudomorph after Hemimorphite (very rare) (ex Dr. Wouter van Tichelen Collection)

Item Description

This is honestly the first specimen of this specific material that we've seen. It should be noted that the label refers to this as "Betaduftite" (Duftite-β) which is now defined as a variety of Duftite, and is described as an intermediate in the Duftite-Conichalcite series. With that said, I can't find a listing for Duftite-β from this specific mine, although Duftite has certainly been reported. This small cabinet specimen features sparkling, rich apple green Duftite which has formed pseudomorphs and hollow casts after preexisting crystals of Hemimorphite associated with green copper/aluminum bearing Adamite on contrasting brown Limonite matrix. The piece looks beautiful up close, as the little casts are gorgeous under magnification. A small amount of translucent colorless Calcite can be seen on the piece as well. I've seen a handful of Duftite pseudomorphs after Wulfenite from this famous mine, but Duftite replacing Hemimorphite is INCREDIBLY rare in my experience from Ojuela. From the noted pseudomorph collection of Dr. Wouter van Tichelen of Belgium.