Smithsonite (classic material)

Item Description

A classic Tsumeb Smithsonite featuring a full coverage of vitreous, soft creamy-golden colored compressed rhombs measuring up to 1.2 cm across. The reverse side of the piece features additional Smithsonite crystals, of more of a golden-brown hue and a slightly different habit. The piece is nearly crystallized all over, there is only a thin "ridge" on the lower portion where it was separated from the pocket wall, but it was close to being a complete "floater". Tsumeb is not only one of the world's greatest mineral localities, where hundreds of species were found, but the majority of the minerals found there were among the best if not the very finest examples of their respective species ever found. The Smithsonites from Tsumeb were rather varied in both their styles/habits and colors, and pieces like this one are classic examples of this beloved material from decades ago.