Tsumeb Azurite, Cuprite, Olivine, Smithsonite

These are some recent additions to my small but growing Tsumeb collection. I will post each specimen in a separate per posts for ease of communication. Thanks for any help.

Azurite 4.8 x 3.3 x 1.7 cm

The Azurite is fully terminated top and bottom, looks to be no damage. There is some underlying pseudomorphing to malachite which makes the specimen "glitter" in some places. Around the edges is has the classic Tsumeb blue color when help to the light. It is a first oxidation zone specimen.

Cuprite covered? or pseudomorphed by Malachite

4 x 3 x 2 cm

Looks to be some contacts on the rear and back side. Some attached matrix? or Cerussite attached to the back.

Olivinite in matrix

approx. 4.4 x 3.1 x 2.7 cm

Seller's estimated retail $200-300

Smithsonite var. cobalitan

approx. 1.3 x 0.7 x 0.6 cm

Looks to be a single crystal, possible contact on back. Sorry for lack of quality, hard to photograph this one.

Probably not more than $20. Its pretty small.

Rock Currier
Crystals not pistols.

The Azurite looks pretty rough. Hard to tell all that much from the picture. Probably less than $100.

Rock Currier
Crystals not pistols.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/16/2012 07:50PM by Rock Currier.

Yah sorry about the picture. The azurite as i mentioned looks to have no damage, the azurite is pseudomorphing to malachite from the inside out. It also has some attached matrix. Not as impressive as some examples but the lighting might be whats making it look a bit dull. I'll try to post better photos soon.

Heres another photo of the azurite.

I still think about $200. Sometimes when you can actually handle a specimen you can discern virtues that cause you increase your estimate of its worth. If you have not already done this, check out Best Minerals, Azurite, Namibia, Tsumeb.

Rock Currier
Crystals not pistols.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/17/2012 09:23PM by Rock Currier.

Thanks for the info Rock

Hi Jacob,

The cuprite is coated with a thin layer of malachite and the white crystals are calcite (not cerussite).
The cuprite is also not from Tsumeb but rather from the Onganja/Emke Mine.

The olivenite needs a trim but its a very decent specimen.

The azurite is also not that bad - I agree with Rock though around USD 100-200 in terms of price.

Kindest regards
Ernst

Thanks for the opinions. The seller said the cuprite was from Tsumeb but it seemed bigger than usual from the mine. With a possible trim any thoughts on value for the olivinite?

The cuprite is certainly from Onganja, not from Tsumeb.

I just looked for some examples and it definitely fits the profile. Any opinions on value now that theres and established locality?