Smithsonite (included with Hematite) ex Minette collection

Item Description

Fascinating, and notable for its bizarre color, this a truly fine Smithsonite from Tsumeb that was long in the important smithsonite collection of Jim and Dawn Minette of California. The rich, cinnamon crystals are classic in shape, with the gently curved rhombs, beveled edges, and good gemminess enhancing their beauty. But the color is crazy - unique in my experience, really. It was labelled as cadmian rich but I suspect the red must be due to iron, and yet we have simply not seen iron-red smithsonite before (they usually are just brown and ugly, if iron-stained). So, what mix of metals works to make this RED, I cannot say... but it IS pretty. And, unique. The luster is good, and the uniform crystal size reaches up to 7 mm tip to tip. Remarkably, the crystals are in great shape, with only one interior crystal being dinged. The vast majority are pristine. This is an outstanding small cab, with quality crystals and a luxuriant color , and hard to value because it IS so unique, but we suggest $2000-plus.