Smithsonite (cobaltian) on Cerussite

Item Description

Tsumeb is the literal cornucopia of minerals, a fountain of species and combinations; and is perhaps as famous for its COMBOS as it is for the individual minerals themselves. This is perhaps our favorite in the auction set and is a shocking, significant combination that is excellent for two species rarely seen in combination - smithsonite, perched on cerussite. Intriguing from the moment you lay eyes on it, both species have significant parts to play in taking this piece to the next level in combination. The highly lustrous and thick blades of Cerussite are twinned, up to 3.8 cm long x 3.5 cm wide, and very attractive. They even have an off-white fluorescence that is almost a moonglow. The Smithsonites, with their gorgeous, light pink color and a silky/pearly luster that is best described as opulent, sit attached to the Cerussite in a 4 cm cluster with crystals to 1.6 cm. The color is due to cobalt, and pink smithsonite almost never (for whatever reasons ) associated with cerussite. These complement each other beautifully, with an aesthetic I've not quite seen. There is some contacting on the top and bottom, but when displayed as shown in the first photo the positive characteristics show in all their glory. This is large, showy, heavy, fine, and colorful - it is seemingly unique among all we have seen (over 10,000 tsumeb pieces in this collection alone) and is one of our favorite Pohl Collection pieces to be auctioned in 2023. It should be valued in the $12-15,000 range, at least.