Phenakite, 72 carats, Klein Spitzkoppe Area, Namibia
Weight: 72 ct / 14.5 g
Height: 3.1 cm (1.2") x 1.6 cm (0.6")
Locality: Stiepelmann Mine, Klein Spitzkoppe Area, Karibib District, Erongo Region, Namibia
This Phenakite, sometimes called Phenacite, comes from the Klein Spitzkoppe pegmatites at the long closed Stiepelmann mine.
Phenakite is a rare mineral found in a few localities around the world. Nharo worked with small scale miners to enter the mine and were able to acquire some noteworthy specimens.
Phenakite is a silicate with a hexagonal crystal structure. Named after Phenax, a Greek word meaning deceiver, because of a strong similarity to quartz. Close examination will reveal vertical striations on the crystal where on quartz they are horizontal. Phenakite is harder than quartz at 7 to 8 on the Mohs scale and when cut displays a brilliance that is just short of diamond.
How do we know our Phenakite’s are real?
Click the link to find out: https://nharo.com/blogs/news/how-do-we-know-our-phenakites-are-real
Nharo has been collecting mineral specimens in Southern Africa since 2002. We focus on bringing a wide variety of unusual, beautiful and energetic minerals back home with us!
