calcite (w. conichalcite-duftite and diioptase)

A group of intergrown, white, rhombohedral calcite crystals (to 20 mm on edge), sprinkled liberally with tiny green-yellow spheres of conichalcite-duftite, and a later dusting of gemmy dioptase crystals (to circa 0.3 mm). The arsenate has not been analysed but its colour and the paragenesis suggest a composition more towards the conichalcite end of the range.

The specimen was acquired from Scott Werschky in 2014 who was dispersing calcite specimens from the collection of Tsumeb miner Eric Louw which he had received from South African collector Ronnie McKenzie.

The location in the mine is not recorded but the paragenesis is strongly indicative of the second oxidation zone.

conichalcite-duftite; dioptase