Detailed information
Dimensions
75 x 66 x 47
mm
Locality
Tsumeb Mine Otjikoto Region Namibia
Condition
No recorded repairs
A granular mixed sulphide matrix of Pyrite, Quartz and probable chalcocite and sphalerite, is richly covered with glassy, pink Manganoan Smithsonite crystals to about 6 mm. From the Tsumeb mine, in the Otjikoto Region of Namibia, this specimen is a very good example of the manganese-rich variety of the zinc carbonate Smithsonite. The crystals form slightly curved rhombohedrons, are translucent and under a lens are bright candy-pink. When viewed at a normal distance, without magnification, the colour appears a dark pink due to the almost black underlying matrix. On the base of the specimen is a small cluster of acicular Quartz crystals to about 5mm, a surprisingly rare occurrence at Tsumeb. A terrific Manganoan Smithsonite from Tsumeb and a good size for display.