MOLYBDOFORNACITE on DIOPTASE

Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia, Africa

Status

Sold

Size

5 x 3.6 x 3.2 cm (Small Cabinet)

Collection

ex. Karlheinz Grosch Collection

Description

Lustrous, bright emerald green crystals of Dioptase are clustered together aesthetically on matrix, with crystals measuring to 1.4cm in length. Minor bright yellow-orange gemmy crystals of Wulfenite to 3mm width are dotted across the matrix. But what makes this specimen so special is the presence of bright apple green, often transparent elongate crystals of rare Molybdofornacite. Molybdofornacite is a rare compound Phosphate with Arsenate, Chromate and Molybdate. It is a type mineral of Tsumeb and is only ever found on Dioptase specimens that have associated Wulfenite, such as this one. Here it forms microcrystals intergrown in and on the vuggy matrix - a rich specimen for the species!

More info on this mineral species

Owner

Kristalle and Crystal Classics