ARAGONITE var. Tarnowitzite

SPECIMEN DESCRIPTION

Tarnowitzite, a plumbian, lead-rich variety of Aragonite is often associated with Tsumeb mine in Namibia, but elsewhere in Africa absolutely stunning specimens were formerly found at Zelidja mine at Touissit-Bou Beker, Morocco during the 1980s, but have been largely forgotten about. This large cabinet display specimen from Zelidja mine was formerly in Keith Hammond's superb collection (with his label). The quality is insane, with so much detail to study. It consists of a relatively flat plate of squat, upright prisms of Aragonite, with pyramidal terminations. The crystals are colour-zoned, from cream at their base to white tips and with a shift in lustre too, from almost matt on top to glossy along the edges. There is no discernible damage and can naturally be displayed in several orientations. In one small area a prominent cluster of crystals are grown sideways across the edge of the specimen, allowing the colour zoning to be seen at a different angle. This really is a superb, worldclass Tarnowitzite, and from a now rarely seen occurrence - choice. Ex Nick Hawes collection.