Detailed information
Species
Smithsonite, Mimetite
Dimensions
75 x 93 x 40
mm
Weight
318 g
Locality
Tsumeb Mine Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region Namibia
Condition
No recorded repairs
This very rich cabinet-sized Tsumeb Smithsonite specimen is really a tale of two sides. From the natural front-facing side all surfaces are completely covered in lenticular to bladed, white to grey Smithsonite crystals, within the 3 to 6 mm size range. Under magnification these crystals can be seen to be made up of many tiny stepped rhombic crystal faces. With so much Smithsonite on display it is no wonder that this piece has a dense feel to it. Flipped over, on its reverse side the Smithsonite can be seen to be overgrowing, or coating, a fine-grained recrystallized rock - possibly Dolomite, or even fine grained Smithsonite - but it is the presence of many very gemmy prismatic Mimetite crystals which is most significant. These Mimetite crystals reach 7 mm in length and are pale straw-coloured and exceptionally gemmy. They show magnificent crystal form, which, under magnification is stunning, combining sloping pyramidal terminations with complex horizontal stepped growth surfaces. Ex Weyand collection.