JH19539 Large Tarbuttite, Hemimorphite, Skorpion Mine, Namibia

Description

Up for bid is large specimen from the Skorpion mine in Namibia that illustrates the complex mineralogical changes this location is famous for. The Tarbuttite crystals formed on the host rock. The unaltered Tarbuttite fluoresces Orange under LW UV. The outer layer of Tarbuttite altered to Fluorapatite. I think the pure Fluorapatite is daylight white and nonfluorescent. However this specimen picked up traces of copper that give it a Green color in daylight, and traces of uranium that give is a Green fluorescence under SW UV. Hemimorphite crystals were then deposited on top of the Fluorapatite. The Hemimorphite fluoresces White under SW UB but not right away! You need to shine the SW UV light on them for 3-5 several seconds to reach full brightness.
First picture is shows the top of the specimen under SW. Second picture shows the top of the specimen under white light. Third picture is a close up of the crystals on top under SW. Fourth picture is a close up of the crystals on top under white light. Fifth picture shows the side view under SW UV. Sixth picture show the side view under MW UV. Seventh picture shows the side view under LW UV. Eight picture shows the side view under white light.
The Skorpion Mine is the 8th largest Zinc mine in the world and is unique in several ways. It is one of the few Zinc deposits that is composed almost exclusively of Zinc Silicates like Sauconite (Formula: Na0.3Zn3(SiAl)4O10(OH)2·4H2O) and Hemimorphite (Formula: Zn4(Si2O7)(OH)2·H2O) and Zinc Carbonates like Smithsonite (Formula: ZnCO3) and Hydrozincite (Formula: Zn5(CO3)2(OH)6). Most other Zinc deposits contain Zinc Sulfides like Sphalerite (Formula: (Zn, Fe)S).
The Skoprion mine is also the only zinc processing facility to use solvent extraction-electrowinning metallurgy to process and refine its zinc products (others use conventional smelting and roasting). The combination of Zinc Silicate and Zinc Carbonate ores and the extraction-electrowinning process allow Skorpion to sell a Special High Grade (SHG), ultra-pure zinc product, which is so low in impurities that it commands a premium price.
Description: Tarbuttite altered to Fluorapatite (FL Green SW, MW), Hemimorphite (FL White SW after 3-5 Sec Charging Time), Tarbuttite deep in Matrix (FL Orange MW, LW)
Location: Skorpion Mine, Rosh Pinah, Luderitz District, Karas Region, Namibia
Size: 5.6" x 3.6" x 3.1"
Weight: 27.6 oz
Contact me if you have any questions. Be sure to check out my eBay store:
Jim's Obscure Stuff
for more fluorescent minerals and other unusual items.
Domestic Shipping
For domestic shipping I generally use Fed Exp Ground for heavier and more expensive items, and US Postal Service Priority Mail for lighter and less expensive items. Both services have door to door tracking and full insurance. If you have a shipping preference please let me know. If the shipping service I use costs less than eBay charges, I will refund any excess. I only charge actual shipping costs with no extra charges for packing or shipping materials and will gladly combine shipments. If the combined shipping doesn’t work for some reason, I will refund any excess shipping.
International Shipping
I use US Postal Service Priority mail for all international shipments. Please note that due to a lack of international flights, many overseas shipments are going by boat instead of air. This can add a month or more to delivery times. Purchase at your own risk.