Tarbuttite (attractive color)

Item Description

The Skorpion Mine in Namibia was started in 2000 as a major zinc ore producer, but it also is the source of some attractive zinc-bearing species such as Tarbuttite. Typically this species is not terribly attractive, as the crystals are often white / colorless, but the specimens from this locality have a gorgeous soft green hue. Now it should be noted that I have seen some of these specimens labeled as being pseudomorphs of Apatite replacing Tarbuttite, but I cannot say if that is the case with this piece. With that said, this toenail sized specimen features attractive, gemmy, pale green colored, "fan"-shaped crystal groups of Tarbuttie measuring up to 8 mm long sitting on matrix. The piece is in excellent shape with no major damage on the top / display side. Valued in the inventory at $500.