Willemite (fluorescent)

Item Description

Simply remarkable, this miniature features sharp, stalactitic growth of Willemite, one of the more coveted minerals from the great Tsumeb Mine. Rising up from the matrix pocket are four parallel, vertical 'chimneys' of light tan, almost botryoidal, Willemite. The stalactites reach 2.5 cm in length, and the Willemite is so translucent that you can see the outline of the central stalk (Coronadite or possibly Goethite?) that the Willemite has grown on. As expected, the Willemite has an enchanting, bright, blue-white fluorescence. Willemite stalactites from Tsumeb are quite rare, and this particular morphology, so similar to the well-known Fluorites-on-Stibnite that you have seen from Thailand, is singular in my experience. Excellent and complete all around, this miniature views aesthetically from all 360 degrees. To say the least, this is an exceptional, highly-unusual specimen, and you could be forgiven if your first reaction to it was that is was a really special Smithsonite. From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl, a well-known German collector all over Europe with worldwide contacts to dealers and collectors. He started collecting seriously at the age of 14 and his great and varied worldwide collection reached over 6000 pieces.