Arsentsumebite

This Arsentsumebite from Tsumeb mine in Namibia may be more a large micromount than a thumbnail, but defiantly proves quality not quantity can be the better option! The Arsentsumebite forms stalagmitic structures of 2 to 5 mm tall which could possibly be pseudomorphs after Mimetite. However odd broken crystals reveal a hexagonal glassy core, so it appears these are Mimetite crystals coated with crystallised Arsentsumebite. The crystals are a limey-apple green and where fine acicular coatings of Malachite overgrow, grade to a powdery turquoise duck-egg blue with a fine velvety texture. A beautiful small thumbnail of this relatively rare species from Tsumeb. The specimen is attached to a labelled cylindrical acrylic base from the collection of a famous Tsumeb collector.