Galena

Tsumeb Mine (Ongopolo Mine), Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia

Galena crystals to 7 mm on edge with small colorless Quartz crystals, from the Tsumeb Mine. The crystals are etched in the way typical for Tsumeb, and the etching has left a fine, almost regular pattern on the faces that resembles snakeskin. Bright silver-gray faces alternate with darker areas that show a blue and violet tarnish. Tsumeb is often called the greatest mineral locality of all time for the range and quality of its specimens. For all its rich lead ore, though, well-crystallized Galena is scarce there, and Galena with Quartz is an uncommon combination even by Tsumeb standards. A small group whose surface rewards a close look. Photo: Matthew Parshchikov