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CC2998

MELANOTEKITE in LEADHILLITE

MELANOTEKITE in LEADHILLITE


Size:
38 x 18 x 10 mm
Regular price $1,550.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $1,550.00 USD
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Detailed information

Species Melanotekite, Leadhillite, Mimetite
Dimensions 38 x 18 x 10 mm
Locality Tsumeb Mine Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region Namibia
Condition Repaired
A classic combination of two rare species from the Tsumeb mine in Namibia. A miniature-sized cleavage fragment from a larger Leadhillite crystal is noteworthy enough, but within it are patches of dark brown Melanotekite (an exceptionally rare lead iron silicate) and pale yellow Mimetite. Many microscopic circular orange-brown inclusions are seen within the Leadhillite, and might also be Melanotekite but the main Melanotekite crystals are darker brown, more coarsely crystallized (still mm scale) and sometimes aggregates in lines or veinlets possibly along cleavage surfaces. There are also several pale lemon yellow Mimetite crystals scattered over and embedded in the Leadhillite. The Leadhillite, a lead sulphate carbonate hydroxide, measures 3.8 x 1.8 x 1.0 cm and is translucent silver-grey with a brilliant reflective lustre on its cleavage surfaces. The Melanotekite has been confirmed by EDS (Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy) at the Royal Ontario Museum, whose Study Card accompanies this specimen. An excellent specimen of these two very rare species from Tsumeb. Please note: this specimen has been repaired. Sometime in its history the Leadhillite has been fractured across its width and was glued back together. In our prep-lab we have removed the excess glue, which was visible, rendering the repair now invisible, although the fracture plane is, of course, evident. This remains a superb specimen, both of Leadhillite and Melanotekite, but more importantly has analytical documentation confirming the identification of Melanotekite.

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I bought a specimen but it is not what I expected or was damaged in transit. Can I return the specimen?

Inevitably, sometimes things don't go as expected. Whether the specimen is damaged in transit or the identity is incorrect, we are aware that this can result in the return of a specimen.If your specimen is damaged during shipping, it is vitally important to take a photo of the packaging and specimen in situ. By recording this, we get an idea of the nature and possible reason behind the damage and will be able to process the return much faster.If you discover that the mineral species has been misidentified, we require details of the method of identification in order to understand why you believe this to be the case. If the identity is in question but no formal analysis has been attempted, Crystal Classics will assess the situation on a case-by-case basis. In some instances, this may mean the specimen is sent for analysis to determine the identity.In any scenario where a specimen is analysed and the species in question is not present on the specimen, we will provide a full refund.If you feel that the specimen was misrepresented in any way, please ensure you make contact with us within the 30 day grace period for resolution.In all instances, please ensure that you call or e-mail us immediately, prior to the return of a specimen to Crystal Classics, so that we can advise regarding the returns procedure. Failure to contact us prior to the return of a specimen may lead to the rejection of your return.Shipping costs of all returns are to be covered by the customer, unless the specimen was damaged in transit or if the identity is incorrect.