Wulfenite (fluorescent) with Galena, Calcite etc. (Ref: 15.1-881)

A very unusual and complex specimen from Touissit that is a fine illustration of lead secondary mineral formation. The core of this piece is a highly etched and partly dissolved mass of Galena, showing alteration to several other minerals. Around that is a mass of Calcite and Dolomite that are the matrix of several generations of well-crystalized Wulfenite. The oldest are completely encased in translucent Calcite, the most recent are smaller, more lustrous and vividly fluorescent in long-wave UV. The Galena was of course the source for the lead that was released as it was affected by acidic conditions and which then formed the Wulfenites. Most of the many Wulfenites are complete and perfectly undamaged but there are a few with chipping damage that are not distracting and are almost invisible in the mass of the specimen. Touissit is an amazing locality, though over shadowed by the more famous Tsumeb. It too has incredible variety and complexity to its minerals. This is a very rare fluorescent Wulfenite with just the youngest crystals responding lemon-yellow. Sorry. This specimen has been sold. Please view alternatives below.

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