Copper, Cuprite, Malachite, Mimetite

This specimen is a fascinating locality piece from Tsumeb, showcasing an unusual and highly desirable set of mineral associations. The core is native copper, richly coated in a layer of dark red cuprite, with vivid green malachite filling the crevices and recesses. Adding some further intrigue are oddly formed masses of yellow mimetite, a rare and distinctive association for this classic Namibian deposit. While it may not be the most aesthetic specimen in terms of sharp, showy crystals, its mineralogical significance lies in the uncommon combination of species and the insight it provides into Tsumeb’s extraordinary paragenesis.

The specimen comes from the collection of Robert Yeoman, an Irish-born collector who has lived in Toronto for most of his life. Yeoman is well-regarded for his exceptional Tsumeb suite, and pieces such as this highlight both the mineralogical diversity of the deposit and his keen eye for specimens that capture the complexity of Tsumeb’s world-class mineralogy.