Rare Phenakite crystals on a feldspar matrix from Namibia. Nharo traveled to the Klein Spitzkoppe area and worked with small scale miners to collect these crystals.
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Phenakite (Be2SiO4)
Locality: Stiepelmann Mine, Klein Spitzkoppe Area, Karibib District, Erongo Region, Namibia
Dimensions : Length (1.9 cm), Width (0.9 cm), Height(3.5 cm)
This Phenakite, sometimes called Phenacite, comes from the Klein Spitzkoppe pegamtites 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.
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!
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