Calcite on Descloizite

Berg Aukas mine in the Grootfontein District of Namibia has 37 mineral species recorded from its extensive workings, yet we tend only to encounter its most familiar yet iconic species, the basic lead-zinc vanadate, Descloizite.  Descloizite from here occurs in a bewildering range of habits and many colours, yet most often has no associated minerals.  This beautiful Calcite encrusted with Descloizite is therefore more unusual and makes a charming and delightful miniature.  Colourless to milky-white trigonal pointed Calcite crystals to 0.9 cm long form clusters of spear-like frosted crystals.  These overgrow a matrix of crystallised, reddish burnt toffee brown Descloizite with spears to around 5 mm tall.  The Calcite masks most of the Descloizite, with crystals of the latter visible only around the edges of the specimen.  This lovely miniature would sit well amongst a suit of Berg Aukas material, adding contrast and a fine example of a species found in association with Descloizite.