Detailed information
Species
Smithsonite
Dimensions
40 x 55 x 33
mm
Weight
108 g
Locality
Tsumeb Mine Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region Namibia
Condition
No recorded repairs
This is a quite distinctive miniature Smithsonite. It is from Tsumeb mine in Namibia, a locality renowned for superb crystallized Smithsonite specimens in a variety of colours and crystal forms. However, this piece is very different to most which one sees from Tsumeb. It has a rich burnt orange colour that is unusual, but not super rare from Tsumeb, but it is its crystal form that is the main attraction here. The Smithsonite crystals, which at up to 2 cm in length are large, are highly elongated rhombic crystals with classic trigonal terminations. The crystals have intricate stepped surfaces where it appears that the rhombic crystals have developed in sequence following the length of the crystal, and allowing each one to extend with the addition of each new crystal. The main cluster of crystals form a divergent spray in the centre of the specimen, making for a nicely balanced display. The terminated crystals are free from damage - the only damage being where one of the larger crystals is completely missing on one edge, sheered off along a cleavage surface. A really unusual Tsumeb mine Smithsonite for the connoisseur.