Detailed information
Species
Tennantite-(Zn), Quartz, Dolomite
Dimensions
54 x 51 x 32
mm
Weight
53 g
Locality
Tsumeb Mine Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region Namibia
Condition
No recorded repairs
Tsumeb mine has always been well-known for fine Tennantite crystals which, compared with their antimony-rich analogue Tetrahedrite, are rare worldwide. In recent times, the recasting of the Tennantite-Tetrahedrite series into the Tennantite Subgroup has seen a flurry of new individual species created. This specimen has not been formally analysed, but those that have indicate that most of the Tennantite crystals from Tsumeb mine are the individual species Tennantite-(Zn). This lovely miniature specimen shows how well crystallized the Tennantite-(Zn) at Tsumeb mine is. It comprises an undulating plate-like aggregate of gun-metal grey, very well formed sharp tetrahedral crystals reaching 2 cm on edge. The crystals show twinning and are partially overgrowth with small white 'needle' Quartz crystals and pearlescent white saddle-shaped Dolomite crystals. There is very minor damage to the tip of one of two crystals, but overall this is a fine example of large tetrahedral Tennantite-(Zn) crystals. Ex Weyand collection.