This choice large miniature to small cabinet specimen is a real treat to behold. From the famous John Schneider Tsumeb collection it presents a relatively unusual association of minerals. A thin, double-sided aggregate of pale-cream coloured, pearlescent Smithsonite crystals has, perched on one side, several intensely glassy, dark blue Azurite crystals - the largest to 2 cm in length. The Azurite contrasts wonderfully with the matrix - light vs dark, and glassy vs pearlescent. The Smithsonite crystals are quite rounded, caused by hundreds of minute stepped faces on the surface. The Azurite, which is the real star, has an intense glassy lustre, bright blue internal reflections caused by its translucency and complex crystal faces. This is an extremely high quality Tsumeb specimen.
