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Identity HelpHelp identifying this yellow mineral

14th Jul 2017 21:31 UTCBrian Greenstone

I have this Cuprian Smithsonite from Tsumeb, and on the back are pockets of what look like yellow beryl, but I'm not entirely sure because the color is somewhat unusual. The color to the eye is best described as "mimetite-yellow-orange". Can anyone confirm if this is beryl, or could be be some other mineral with a similar shape?

Thanks,

-Brian

14th Jul 2017 21:47 UTCRoger Ericksen 🌟

Why not mimetite?

14th Jul 2017 21:53 UTCBrian Greenstone

Does mimetite grow in elongated beryl-like structures? I'm only familiar with the botryoidal form.

Thanks,

-Brian

14th Jul 2017 21:54 UTCAlfredo Petrov Manager

That was my thought too, Roger.

14th Jul 2017 21:57 UTCBrian Greenstone

Yeah, now that I look at others for comparison I see that mimetite can grow in that shape, so that's probably what it is.

Thanks,

-Brian

14th Jul 2017 22:08 UTCDebbie Woolf Manager

Great photo! I would also agree with mimetite.

14th Jul 2017 22:14 UTCWayne Corwin

Brian

Maybe you are displaying the wrong side ? ! ?

15th Jul 2017 00:53 UTCKeith Compton 🌟 Manager

Hi Brian

Nice mimetite & smithsonite specimen

Cheers

Keith

15th Jul 2017 02:38 UTCDoug Daniels

Definitely a great find - one that many of us would love to have!

15th Jul 2017 07:29 UTCJim Robison

Classic Tsumeb tiny botryoidal green smithsonite and mimetite. I had several of these in my collection. Though none exactly like that, this is a well known association, lots of them being found in the second oxidation zone. Definitely a keeper, and one of those frustrating pieces that has interesting things going on over all sides. Think you have the better side up. .

15th Jul 2017 16:36 UTCDonald B Peck Expert

Great specimen! I just did a search of my database of properties for minerals from Tsumeb and for [ hexagonal, yellow, prismatic ] there were only six minerals returned [ greenockite, hedyphane, mimetite, pyromorphite, vanadinite, zincite ]. Mimetite seems by far the most probable, or possibly yellow pyromorphite.

16th Jul 2017 01:20 UTCJim Robison

Donald The association with smithsonite is almost diagnostic for mimetite, which occurred often at Tsumeb. One of the great, and rare classics from Tsumeb was stunning crystals of mimetite of around a cm or larger in standing knock your socks off gemmy yellow groups. There were a small number of specimens recovered from this small pocket and they are highly coveted, and closely held, and need I say it extremely expensive. No association with smithsonite there I am aware of but the gemmy hexagonal well terminated yellow barrels are a sight to behold.

16th Jul 2017 16:00 UTCDonald B Peck Expert

Hi Jim,

I agree. The largest of the crystals is a real gem. And that mimetite is the only real fit for Tsumeb (although I was unsure about a yellow pyromorphite). Those six are all minerals reported from Tsumeb. The habit is wrong for hedyphane and zincite; the color is a bit off for vanadinite, and I have not seen greenockite that looks like that. However, I have learned never to say never about places like Tsumeb, Mont Saint Hilaire, Franklin/Sterling Hill, etc.

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