Detailed information
Species
Smithsonite, Goethite
Dimensions
34 x 44 x 20
mm
Weight
18 g
Locality
Tsumeb Mine Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region Namibia
Condition
No recorded repairs
Extremely elongated delicate tapering Smithsonite crystals are an unusual, and very rare, feature of the extensive oxidation deposits at Tsumeb mine in Namibia. This miniature specimen is a rare example of this Smithsonite crystal habit where the frosted white elongated crystals rise out from a Goethite-coated Dolomite-Calcite matrix. The individual crystals are extremely large for this form from Tsumeb, reaching 1.7 cm in length, and one of them displays epitaxial overgrowth of more Smithsonite. The way these crystals splay out from the matrix is quite spectacular. Under magnification the Goethite presents a lovely velvety appearance. Ex Weyand collection.