Detailed information
Species
Smithsonite, Aurichalcite
Dimensions
63 x 67 x 35
mm
Locality
Kelly Mine Magdalena, Socorro County New Mexico, USA
Condition
No recorded repairs
The Kelly mine in Socorro County, New Mexico, USA, is often described as the world's best Smithsonite locality and this first-class, museum-grade small cabinet specimen, aptly demonstrates why. A 7 mm thick crust of lustrous and drusy, translucent rich duck egg blue-green-turquoise Smithsonite forms gently undulating globular mounds over a layer of pale turquoise blue silky Aurichalcite on altered limestone matrix. The Smithsonite continues around one edge to underneath the specimen where it changes to a matt, earthy bright turquoise, which also appears to be Aurichalcite. The globular habit in combination with its stunning colour and silky lustre produces a majestic specimen. A Kelly mine Smithsonite of the highest quality that would grace any top collection, be this private or museum.