SmithsoniteIt goes without saying that Tsumeb is one of the most prolific localities in the world. The reason that is is one of the premier mineral localities in history is because the mine produced exemplary specimens of a wide number of minerals ranging from common to extraordinarily rare. A large number of minerals from Tsumeb are ranked as "best in the world", which makes Tsumeb such a highly sought after destination for collectors. One of the most well

Considering the great size

while the rest of the crystal has a gentle translucency

I have to say up front that this piece simply is better than the photos indicate

The reverse side of the specimen shows that the Pyrite is not only growing inside the Quartz crystals but is actually coating them in places as well

This attractive large thumbnail / toenail specimen is a wonderful example from Murzinka showing classic textbook orthorhombic form along with very sharp

The piece is filled with somewhat cavernous semi-brecciated vugs of crystallized Quartz and “Amethyst” along with Agate which are associated with bladed white Baryte and micro minerals (possibly Pyrostilpnite and / or Xanthoconite)

which is not often found in well-crystallized display specimens

and only a few of them are seen on the market coming out of old collections

A great classic Bolivian Stibnite specimen

we were fortunate to have a good friend who works at the mine and gave us first choice to hand select from a parcel that he brought especially for us

It has a notably interesting “extra virgin olive oil” greenish color with a distinct black color on the pyramidal termination

The Chalcopyrites from this mine are a staple of any good Colorado mineral collection