Leiteite crystal from Tsumeb, Namibia – Rare collector's mineral | Historical collection

An extraordinary mineral from one of the most famous mineral localities in the world!

This rare Leiteite crystal comes from the legendary Tsumeb Mine in Namibia and impresses with its transparent, almost colorless appearance and its unusual crystal structure.

Measuring approximately 17 mm, the crystal displays an elongated, tabular form with clearly visible, parallel structures. Its glass-like transparent areas and fine, shimmering crystal faces give it a particularly fascinating look.

A small but mineralogically exceptional collector's item.

Origin & Mineralogy

• Mineral: Leiteite
• Chemical formula: ZnAs₂O₄
• Locality: Tsumeb Mine, Otavi Mountains, Namibia
• Size: approx. 17 mm
• Color: Colorless to slightly whitish
• Transparency: Transparent to translucent
• Crystal system: Monoclinic
• Mohs hardness: 1.5–2
• Mineral class: Oxides and hydroxides, arsenite group

What makes Leiteite special?

Leiteite is a very rare zinc arsenite known particularly for its unusual, gypsum-like crystal forms.

The mineral can form transparent, foliated, or tabular crystals with a characteristic pearly luster.

Due to its perfect cleavage and low hardness, Leiteite is a delicate mineral that should be handled with care.

Leiteite was first scientifically described in 1977 and named after the Portuguese mineral collector and dealer Luis Teixeira-Leite.

The famous Tsumeb Mine

The historic Tsumeb Mine in Namibia is among the most significant mineral localities in the world.

It is known for its exceptional mineral diversity and numerous rare mineral species.

Tsumeb is also the type locality for Leiteite – the site from which the mineral was first scientifically described.

Leiteite formed there under specific geochemical conditions in the oxidation zones of the deposit.

Historical collection provenance – Ilse Baer

The provenance of this specimen is particularly interesting.

The enclosed original label bears the note:

“pre-1972 ex Ilse Baer Coll.”

This identifies the piece as part of a historical mineral collection, dating it to a time before the first scientific description of Leiteite in 1977.

An interesting detail for collectors who value not only mineralogical rarity but also a mineral's documented collection history.

A natural unique specimen

You will receive the exact Leiteite crystal shown, measuring approximately 17 mm.

The specimen comes in the pictured collector's box with the original label included.

A special one-of-a-kind piece for mineral collectors, enthusiasts of rare mineral species, and collectors of historical Tsumeb minerals.

Do not swallow, crush, or grind. Wash hands after handling and keep out of the reach of children and pets.


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"A stone is the condensed history of the universe"

~Art of Nature Berlin~