Smithsonite on Mimetite (ex Kay Robertson Collection)

Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
Small Cabinet, 6.3 x 4.7 x 4.1 cm
Start Time: 01/11/2018 6:45:00 pm (CST)
End Time: 01/18/2018 6:46:41 pm (CST)
Auction Closed

Item Description

What a beautiful and somewhat unusual looking association specimen of this classic combo from Tsumeb. We've seen several pieces of Smithsonite with Mimetite from this storied locality, but this one doesn't look quite like the others as the color of the Smithsonite is a soft blue-green hue, which starkly contrasts the rich golden colored Mimetite. The intermixing of the two species makes for an eye-catching and showy three dimensional display specimen. The Smithsonites two distinct habit with attractive modified / "plump" rhombohedra and semi-spherical aggregates as well. The Mimetites have grown in oddly stalagtitic-shaped / "finger"-shaped formations, which is also rare for the locality. A GREAT piece to add to your Tsumeb suite, as this is unusual and hard to find material, and any completionist should have a specimen like this in their Tsumeb collection. Specimens from Tsumeb seem to be increasing in value at a nearly daily basis, and when you find an interesting and unique piece like this, it's certainly worth picking up as you never know when you'll see another one. Ex Kay Robertson Collection (#11824) with a label from A. Berger from Mudling near Vienna, Austria. Kay is a prominent California collector, who specialized in European classics (see the article in the March-April, 2007 Mineralogical Record and the 50+ page article in the German Magazine "Mineralien Welt" November-December 2017).

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