Smithsonite (classic locality) (circa 1890)

Item Description

A wonderful antique Smithsonite specimen from this incredibly historic mining district. Lavrion is one of the great old world mining localities, dating back thousands of years, and specimens are still being found to this day. This piece features coatings of soft greenish-blue Smithsonite on matrix, which can be seen on both sides of the specimen. The accompanying label states that the piece was collected circa 1890.
From the collection of longtime mineral collector Dr. Bob Lauf (Collection #1396), and originally from the John Legro collection (#420). Bob is the author of the Mineral Collectors Guide books (Schiffer Publishing), widely seen at mineral shows and libraries. He grew up in Chicago and attended the University of Illinois, ultimately receiving a Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering. His scientific career included over twenty years at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he conducted research on topics ranging from nuclear fuel, coal by-products, materials synthesis, microwave processing, sensors, optical materials, and biomineralization. He has been granted over forty U.S. Patents for his inventions, many of which have become successful industrial products. He is now a Registered Patent Agent and technology consultant.