Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Namibia
(type locale)
.9 x .5 x .3 inches
$699 ~SOLD~

An absolutely exquisite, old time specimen of leiteite from Tsumeb! Typically, the only available specimens of leiteite are very thin, narrow cleavage shards taken from larger, thicker specimens from old time finds. Usually these specimens are literally paper thin, or even thinner and can be bent by blowing on them! The specimens are so sought after, that the temptation is too great to split up larger specimens into tiny shards that can be sold for much more money, with even the tiniest specimens averaging $50!!! This chunky specimen could easily be divided into literally hundreds such shards with little difficulty, providing a dealer or enterprising collector with an opportunity to sell tiny, paper thin $50-$200 sections for months or years! However, most collectors with any appreciation for the hobby would no doubt realize the importance of such a specimen and keep it from meeting such a fate. This beautiful and impressive specimen is from an old cache of Tsumeb specimens that were forgotten about and left in storage for many years. The crystal is thick, chunky, and solid. It has exceptionally lustrous and pearly luster, and incredible fiber optic-like properties in opposing directions. It ranges in clarity from high translucent to gemmy, and is even better in person! The crystal is strong and rigid, and can be handled with ease unlike the thin wimpy shards that, if one is even lucky enough to encounter leiteite on the market, are just about the only examples one can find available nowadays! It makes a hefty “thunk” when dropped from a small height, and is surprisingly heavy given its appearance, easily weighing a few grams, I am sure (unfortunately I do not have a functional scale that weighs in fractional grams but my heavier range scale shows this specimen at approximately 3-4g)!!! Well-defined crystals of this species are very seldom encountered, however there are numerous natural crystal faces present on this specimen – a very impressive feature indeed! Simply an extraordinary old time specimen that is a testament to Tsumeb’s mineral richness! Such extraordinary representatives of this rare species are seldom, if ever, encountered on the market! The pictures hardly do this miraculous and rare Tsumeb classic justice - its well defined crystal faces are nothing short of miraculous, this beautiful example of Tsumeb excellence absolutely needs to be seen in person in order to be fully appreciated!! This specimen is available right now at an unbelievably low price, and is worth well into the four digits with absolutely no question whatsoever, and that’s priced to sell! Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity!!