Detailed information
Species
Minrecordite, Dioptase, Duftite
Dimensions
4 x 6 x 3
mm
Weight
2 g
Locality
Tsumeb Mine Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region Namibia
Condition
No recorded repairs
Minrecordite is a Dolomite group mineral where zinc substitutes for magnesium. It was first described in 1982, from Tsumeb mine which remains the source of the world's best crystals. This micromount specimen from the collection of Erwin Kainer appears, based on old typed labels attached to the plastic box, to have been acquired in 1985. It features two deep emerald-green Dioptase crystals, the largest 2 mm across, but both with chipping, alongside two 1.5 mm wide clusters of silky, white, curved rhombic Minrecordite microcrystals on Calcite with traces of vivid green Duftite also evident. A Tsumeb rarity, and one of the few mineral species named after a company or magazine.