Smithsonite and Smithsonite cast

Item Description

An impressive and dramatic, two-sided, LARGE CABINET, smithsonite crust from the famous and now-closed Tsumeb Mine; and the Robert Whitmore Collection. The interior of this sculptural, shallow bowl-like piece consists of strikingly patterned, elongated, parallel-growth clusters of sparkly, translucent, coral-like, microcrystalline, pastel-green, cuprian smithsonite. The obverse is totally different! This side consists of scintillating, nubby aggregates, of rich honey-brown, micro smithsonite rhombs. Some flashes of other colors are also present. Both sides are EQUALLY impressive. The bit of white noted on the yellow-brown side is not damage, but another mineral association. This is a rare and excellent, very large combination of two smithsonite varietals! Classic, older material from the Robert Whitmore Collection. Value? We feel in the $1500-2000 range, for such a large and interesting piece. NOTE THAT ALL PHOTOS HERE ARE ACCURATE, but two of the first 4 are taken closer to the light source. A microcrystalline coating of growth gives the surface a sparkle, more apparent under closer lighting here. Closer lighting also makes the color look more orangey-yellow than distant lighting, on the rounded surface.