Detailed information
Species
Cadmium Smithsonite, Galena
Dimensions
75 x 83 x 53
mm
Weight
484 g
Locality
Tsumeb Mine Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region Namibia
Condition
No recorded repairs
Wow, look at this Smithsonite glow! The orange, cadmium-bearing variety of Smithsonite is rarely seen as well-defined crystals anywhere in the world, except for Tsumeb. Even then it is extremely rare in high class specimens like this. In fact I would describe this specimen as sensational. Sat upon a partially oxidized but sturdy Galena base the Smithsonite developed initially as a thin crust but expanded outwards into some extremely sizable and perfectly formed rhombic crystals. The largest, at 2.5 cm in length, is colossal, but most are in the 5 to 8 mm size range. In common with most cadmium Smithsonite from Tsumeb mine, the initial Smithsonite is white to colourless indicating a relatively pure zinc carbonate with the orange colour developing later towards the edges of the crystals. This transition has produced a magical colour zonation within the crystals on this specimen, adding to its class. Furthermore, light transmits through the orange tips to produce a wonderful glow. At cabinet specimen in size, this specimen displays superbly well in several orientations. There is one small area where a crystal is missing but all of the crystals on display are in excellent condition. A truly stunning Tsumeb Smithsonite from the generations-old Weyand collection.