Otavite (w. azurite and Cu-Pb arsenates)

TSNB661
Specimen
Cisneros, E. & S.Feinglos, M.N.
Exhibit 1. Otavite (w. azurite and Cu-Pb arsenates); 49 mm.
Exhibit 1. Otavite (w. azurite and Cu-Pb arsenates); 49 mm.
Image Credit: Malcolm Southwood
Exhibit 2. 30 mm field of view.
Exhibit 2. 30 mm field of view.
Image Credit: Malcolm Southwood
Exhibit 3. Otavite (reverse side); 49 mm.
Exhibit 3. Otavite (reverse side); 49 mm.
Image Credit: Malcolm Southwood
Exhibit 4. Specimen label (anonymous).
Exhibit 4. Specimen label (anonymous).
Image Credit: MGMH Archive
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Specimen Title

Otavite (w. azurite and Cu-Pb arsenates)

Associated Minerals

azurite; cerussite; malachite; mimetite; undetermined

Principal Mineral

Otavite

Size

Miniature; 49mm

Location in the Mine

First oxidation zone

Provenance

Cisneros, E. & S.; Feinglos, M.N.

Collection

MGMH; 2022.4.3957L

Entry Number

Specimen; TSNB661

Description

Crusts of pearlescent-white otavite crystals forming part of a complex paragenesis of layered carbonates and arsenates. An early generation of azurite is completely replaced by malachite and arsenates (undetermined), while early mimetite (?) crystals are altered to the same Cu-Pb arsenates (Exhibit 2). Later generation crystals of azurite, cerussite and mimetite clearly post-date the Cu-Pb arsenates.


Otavite is EDS confirmed (Frank Keutsch; Harvard University, 2025). It fluoresces a bright orange-pink in short wavelength ultraviolet radiation.


Mark Feinglos acquired this specimen from Sharon and Gene Cisneros in 1980. It is accompanied by an older (anonymous) label in French (Exhibit 4). While there is no record of the location in the mine the paragenesis is definitive for the upper levels of the first oxidation zone.