Smithsonite (classic locality specimen)

Item Description

PLEASE NOTE:  This piece was labeled only as coming from Wanlockhead, Scotland, with no specific mine listed, but one our members pointed out that it's likely from the Sheshodonnell East Mine in Ireland. With that said, this is a classic specimen from this famed lead-zinc mine that dates back to 1862-1863. The piece is covered by botryoidal aggregates of lemon yellow Smithsonite measuring up to about 5 mm across, on a thin layer of matrix. The "balls" on the front/display side of the specimen have more of a muted / "matte" luster, but if you flip the piece over, the color is actually a more vibrant yellow hue, although it's not nearly as well-formed. Overall the piece is in good shape, but it's a bit rough in a few spots. If you collect worldwide Smithsonites or minerals from the British Isles, don't miss out on this attractive and elusive specimen for your collection.  It should be noted that the yellow color in this material is due to a minor amount of cadmium content.  From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl (#100 E), a well-known German collector all over Europe with worldwide contacts to dealers and collectors. He started collecting seriously at the age of 14 and his great and varied worldwide collection reached over 6000 pieces. He was very active mineralogically until shortly before his passing in 2020 at the age of 82. Considering his collection had a large number of pieces, it still had an unusually high standard of quality from most worldwide localities. He particularly specialized in all classics as well as minerals of the Black Forest, where he spent much time collecting. His Black Forest and German subcollections went to his good friend Wolfgang Wendel. We at The Arkenstone have the privilege of offering the remainder of this great worldwide collection over the coming months and years through our various platforms.