Detailed information
Species
Chalcocite
Dimensions
45 x 26 x 28
mm
Weight
18 g
Locality
Tsumeb Mine Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region Namibia
Condition
No recorded repairs
Although Chalcocite made up an important part of the sulphide ore at Tsumeb mine, crystals are very rare indeed, and we have seen very few good crystallized specimens over the years. In fact, this miniature-sized specimen is one of the best we have had available, featuring really well-defined dark grey, metallic crystals, to 8 mm across, and presenting lovely stepped and striated crystal faces indicating twinning. The Chalcocite crystals sit on and within a matrix of small 'needle' Quartz crystals with many of the Chalcocite's standing quite proud of the matrix, allowing them to be observed from many sides. Despite a few minor, micro-scale chips to a few of the Chalcocite crystals, this is in rather fine condition. Not a rare species as such, but a very rare example of Chalcocite in crystals from Tsumeb mine.
