Malachite Ps. after Azurite with Wulfenite, Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
Interpenetrating crystals of velvety, brunswick-green malachite shimmer in the play of light on this specimen. The chatoyant effect is due to the radial, fibrous structure of the malachite, as shown in the photographs. Yellow-orange wulfenite casts add wonderful contrast and present a relict cubic structure, potentially due to cuprite replacement. Close examination reveals one 8-mm wulfenite crystal completely overgrown by chatoyant malachite with minor accessory duftite and an acicular white mineral, possibly cerussite or dundasite (not analyzed). Macrophotography shows cryptocrystalline red cuprite sprinkled in the mix. This remarkable specimen is classic Tsumeb material, likely sourced from the upper oxidized zone. It was acquired from noted Tsumeb collector and dealer Clive Queit during the go-go days of the 1980s and has remained uncirculated since that time.
