Natural History - Historic 'Tsumeb, South West Africa' Mimetite on Tennantite Crystal Specimen

Comprising: stibnite from Brazil, collection number 5; phyllite from England, collection number 181; galena from Cumbria, England, collection number 3; amphibole, collection number 170; calcite from Yorkshire, England, collection number 52; a banded stone from Iraq; bornite from Galway, Ireland, collection number 2; limestone from Cornwall, England, collection number 452; calcite from North Transvaal, South Africa, collection number 316. 583 grams total, 21-80 mm



Acquired on the UK mineral and fossil market, since 1970. From the historic mineral collection of Richard Valentine Cain, London, UK, thence by descent. Seven specimens accompanied by an original historic index file card.

A natural flowing limestone accretion with nodules and inclusions. 464 grams total, 13.1 cm



From the family collection of a Maida Vale lady, UK.

Gogottes were displayed at the chateau of Fontainebleau, France, collected by King Louis XIV (1638 -1715). They were used to decorate the formal gardens of the royal residence at Versailles, especially l’Encelade, Les Trois Fontaines and La Salle de Bal. Elsewhere, they were treasured in Song Dynasty China (960-1127 A.D.) In the 20th century, natural forms inspired the sculptor Henry Moore and others.

Well-formed crystals on a matrix of brownish black limonite, the crystals coated, in certain areas, by very small, translucent light brown crystals, possibly calcite, collection number 492, with an old Gregor, Bottley & Lloyd label. 56 grams, 74 mm



Acquired on the UK mineral and fossil market, since 1970. From the historic mineral collection of Richard Valentine Cain, London, UK, thence by descent. Accompanied by an original historic index file card.