Malachite after Azurite with Cerussite

specimen number:
1052433

location:
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto, Namibia

description:
Bladed crystals of what were once azurite measuring to 2.2 cm in length on matrix of crystallized cerussite. These crystals have been replaced by chatoyant green crystallized malachite. In very good condition. The specimen comes with an antique label as shown at the end of the video and dates to the very early 20th century. From the very early days at this famous locality.

The Tsumeb Mine in northern Namibia is one of the most famous mineral localities in the world and was worked from the late 1800s until 1996 for copper, lead, and zinc. The deposit is a complex pipe like ore body with exceptionally rich oxidized zones that produced a very large number of mineral species. Mining was carried out through deep underground workings and yielded both important ore production and some of the finest mineral specimens known. Tsumeb remains a classic locality highly regarded by collectors and mineralogists.

A pseudomorph is a mineral specimen in which one mineral replaces another while preserving the original crystal shape. In the case of malachite after azurite, azurite alters through chemical reaction with water and carbon dioxide to form malachite. This process often occurs in the oxidized zones of copper deposits. The resulting specimen retains the crystal form of the original azurite but is composed of malachite, often showing green color while preserving the original crystal outlines.

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