Germanite (TYPE LOCALITY) and Renierite

Item Description

Germanite is a rare Cu-Fe-Ge sulfide for which Tsumeb is the TYPE LOCALITY. This region was noted for its incredible wealth of very rare elements and minerals containing germanium, among others. 1992 saw the discovery of Germanite in deep areas of the mine's remarkable third oxidation zone. This 57 g, polished sample is a exceptionally pure specimen of this rare Germanium ore. The polishing shows how attractive the metallic luster is, and it also reveals brownish grains of the sulfosalt Renierite, as well as unidentified bluish-green grains and bluish (Chalcocite?, Azurite?) grains. Such specimens turn up from old collections on occasion, and although basically ore, it is germanium ore, which is something special. Analysed at University of Arizona to confirm.