JH11443 Large 3 Generations of Willemite, Excelsior Prospect, Zambia

Description

Up for bid is an outstanding example of the three generations of Willemite found at the Excelsior prospect in Lusaka, Zambia. This specimen features a large ancient vug that has been filled with Red fluorescing Calcite. The Calcite preserved the delicate microcrystals of the third generation of Willemite, and is translucent enough to allow you to see the Green fluorescence of these long, thin, delicate, crystals. This specimen came from an old collection and was collected in the 1950s.
The first generation of Willemite is brown and formed in nodules. If you look at the edges of the specimen you can see how this Willemite formed as crystals radiating out from a point in the center of the nodule. This material fluoresces green and has a long lasting phosphorescence.
The second generation of Willemite is white and formed as a thin layer over the nodules. This fluoresces a much brighter green and has a much brighter green phosphorescence.
The third generation formed as a layer of micro crystals. These also fluoresce bright green but have NO phosphorescence! Looking at the phosphorescence of this piece is a weird experience. The bright areas you thought would be the most phosphorescence go completely dark when you take the UV light away. If you look around the edges of the Calcite you can clearly see these micro crystals that were preserved in the Calcite. There is an interesting fluorescent green “Island” in the Calcite. These are the ends of the microcrystals projecting straight up from a nodule within the Calcite.
First picture is entire specimen under SW UV. Second picture is phosphorescent response of entire specimen. Third picture is entire specimen under white light. Fourth picture is close up of Vug full of Willemite micro crystals under SW UV. Fifth picture is phosphorescent response of vug, Sixth picture is vug under white light.
There is an excellent article on the Zinc Mines of this area titled. “The carbonate-hosted Willemite prospects of the Zambezi Metamorphic Belt (Zambia)”. You should be able to find a copy of this article on the internet. This article will tell you all you need to know about the formation of Willemite in this area of Africa.
Description: 1st Generation Willemite Bands (FL Green, phosphorescent), 2nd generation Willemite micro crystals (FL Green, NOT phosphorescent), Calcite (FL Red), Unknown (FL Blue MW)
Location: Excelsior prospect, Lusaka, , Lusaka Province, Zambia
Size: 3.8" x 3.2" x 1.9"
Weight: 23 oz
Contact me if you have any questions. Be sure to check out my eBay store:
Jim's Obscure Stuff
for more fluorescent minerals and other unusual items.
Domestic Shipping
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International Shipping
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