Smithsonite (Cadmian)

Item Description

Semi-resinous, translucent, soft yellow, bubbly Smithsonite botryoids form a sculptural specimen crystallized all the way around from a new find in the Wenshan Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, China. The color is thought to be due to cadmium content, similar with yellow Smithsonite from localities like Tsumeb, the Masua Mine in Italy, and Mexico. The banded smithsonite grew around the matrix core that includes sulfides. These are very similar to Italian Smithsonites, from the 1800s in terms of form and color. No damge and very attractive in person. These seem to be somewhat limited on the market, and could easily disappear quickly like many finds from China in recent years.