Smithsonite

Item Description

Alex Schauss particularly loved fine thumbnails that exhibit all the qualities you would want in a species but also added in something special and geometric: such as a cross, flower, or rose shape. This made so many of his specimens stand out to the eye, when seen physically on display in his numerous competitive cases over the decades. This smithsonite was well known for its stunning shape and gemmy transparency. It was from an old collection brought to market by Evan Jones; and comes from a mine older and a bit further out from Tsumeb, but that is often confused with Tsumeb material as they leaked into the markets together at the time. In fact, smithsonite from these other Namibian mines is more rare, and also this shape is unique. It is sometimes called a flower or a soft cross shape, for this intricate and unique pinwheel arrangement that makes it stand out so dramatically in person. The crystals are lustrous and transparent and almost triangular in shape. Published in: Minerals: The Collectors Newspaper, 2014; 8: 18. Also, featured in the book by Mineralogical Record; Refined Elegance: Nov-Dec 2022 (page 133). Photo: Jeff Scovil.