Plumboan Aragonite var. Tarnowitzite and Calcite (fl) ex Flynn

Item Description

Crystals of Tarnowitzite (Plumboan Aragonite) have a distinct and attractive look all their own. Nicely terminated, these crystals create their own dense forest of white, and look for the world-like the carbonate version of columnar jointing. The translucent crystals, which range up to 1.7 cm, have good pearlescent luster, sharp pyramidal terminations, and tapered bodies. They surround a rounded cluster of what was originally thought to be Smithsonite (old label), but the intense red fluorescence reveals its true identity to be Calcite, and unusual Calcite at that. The Tarnowitzite has a gentle blue-white fluorescence, as well. Likely mined in the early 1900s from the first oxidation zone, this small cab is an impressive, old-time combination piece from the great Tsumeb Mine. . Shields Flynn Collection,