Tuesday Update – Rare Species

TODAY we return to rarities, delving into our extensive stock to bring you an array of unusual species, some of which you might need to look up to see what they are.

One of those species might sound familiar: Ianbruceite. That is because it is named after our very own Ian Bruce, owner of Crystal Classic Fine Minerals Ltd., who was recognized, in 2012, for his attempts to reopen the famous Tsumeb mine in Namibia during the late 1990s. A zinc arsenate hydroxide hydrate, it is not only rare worldwide, but we virtually never see specimens from Tsumeb mine either, making this a rare chance to acquire a piece from the Type Locality.

Remaining with Tsumeb, our Perroudite in an unusual, sealed glass jar was labelled by its previous owner as “Typmaterial!” which seems a little confusing when Tsumeb mine is not the Type Locality. However, the crystal structure of Perroudite was redefined in the early 2000s based on crystals from Tsumeb, suggesting that the label might not be incorrect afterall.

Elsewhere, we have several weird and wonderful borate species, some from pegmatites, others from complex skarn deposits, a few tellurides, rare earth-bearing minerals and a few other exotics from alkaline pegmatites, and unusual secondary species too.

The diversity is enormous, so hopefully something for every taste. However, if rarities are not your thing, then next week we head to Asia for our selection. Catch up again next Tuesday.

Please note: Today's featured specimens are situated at both our US and UK showrooms.