Descloizite

specimen number:
2063313

location:
Berg Aukas Mine, Grootfontein, Otjozondjupa, Namibia

description:
Classic for the species and locality, lustrous chocolate brown bladed crystals of descloizite to 0.9 cm in size aesthetically covering the top of this matrix. In very good condition. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Ray DeMark. He acquired the piece in the very early 1970s.

Discovered in 1913, the Berg Aukas Mine near Grootfontein in northern Namibia operated primarily from the 1920s until its closure in 1978, serving as a major producer of zinc, lead, and vanadium. Geologically, the deposit is situated within a complex karst and collapse breccia structure hosted by Neoproterozoic carbonate rocks of the Otavi Group. The mineralization formed within steeply dipping discordant bodies and stratabound horizons where descending meteoric waters oxidized primary sulfides, creating rich secondary concentrations. The site gained international renown among mineral collectors for yielding exceptional, highly lustrous crystal specimens, particularly of descloizite, before mining operations ultimately ceased due to exhausted high-grade zones and shifting economic conditions.

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