Descloizite with Calcite

specimen number:
2354302

location:
Berg Aukas Mine, Grootfontein, Otjozondjupa, Namibia

description:

Sharp spears shaped crystal grouping of lustrous slightly translucent descloizite crystals. The backside mostly coated with white sparkling small rhombohedral calcite crystals. In very good condition, the specimen comes with several labels from the collection of Rock Currier.

The Berg Aukas Mine near Grootfontein in the Otjozondjupa region of Namibia is situated within the mineralized Otavi Mountain Land, a geological district famous for carbonate-hosted hydrothermal deposits and ancient solution cavities. Historically operated as a major underground producer of lead, zinc, and vanadium, the mine achieved worldwide renown among mineral collectors for producing world-class descloizite specimens. These secondary lead-zinc vanadate minerals typically developed in oxidized ore zones, forming dark brown, black, or reddish crystal crusts, druzy coatings, and sharp blade-like aggregates lining cavities within the local dolomite matrix. Although commercial mining operations have ended, Berg Aukas remains a premier historic locality celebrated for its remarkable descloizite treasures.

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