Malachite on Calcite, Emke Mine, Onganja, Namibia

The diversity of minerals and mineral forms from Tsumeb, Namibia is impressive. Here we have an excellent example with dark yellow calcite encrusted with white calcite and peppered with malachite crystals. The malachite is somewhat radial with terrific luster. The yellow calcite appears to have shrunk as it no longer completely fills the gap in which it resides. Perhaps this is due to later dissolution? Of course the white calcite has pleasing pink fluorescence under long wave ultraviolet light. This is an old specimen (pre-1980) and has been in Sarah Topham's collection since her retirement with Prosper Williams. Cabinet specimens of Tsumeb material are difficult to find and this one has a great Canadian connection. Ex Sarah Topham, Ex Prosper J. Williams collections. From: Tsumeb, Namibia. Dimensions: 5 cm x 9 cm x 12 cm