Smithsonite (Copper-bearing)

Item Description

A gorgeous, showy, classic green (copper-bearing) example of Smithsonite from Tsumeb dating back to the 1960s-1970s. The crystals are well-defined, sharp, translucent rhombs measuring up to 1.2 cm with good luster on matrix. I can't find any damage outside of the periphery where the piece was separated from the pocket wall. Very showy and the crystals are not "muddled" together, so you can clearly see the definition between each rhomb. Most collectors agree that Tsumeb is the premier locality for Smithsonite is terms of the varied styles and colors found, no other mine has produced a wider range of Smithsonites.
From the collection of Vasco Trancoso, a medical doctor and prominent mineral collector from near Lisbon, Portugal (https://www.mindat.org/user-11954.html). He assembled his mineral collection over the course of 60 years, and built a fine worldwide display collection that we recently purchased. This piece is pictured on mindat.org at https://www.mindat.org/photo-187095.html