Smithsonite (unusual color)

Item Description

The renowned Tsumeb Mine has produced the widest array of Smithsonite specimens, with a diverse number of habits/styles and color. This piece has a distinctive brick-red hue, which is rarely seen from Tsumeb. Now the color is not due to an internal chromophore, like manganese or cadmium, but it's actually created because of a coating of iron oxide on the surface. The crystals are actually colorless internally, as I can found a couple of a tiny contacted areas on the back, revealing that they are gemmy internally, and without color. I love the overall aesthetics of the piece, as the large rhombs (which measure up 9 mm) flare beautifully out of the top portion of the specimen. Virtually all of the Smithsonite crystals are undamaged, save the base where the piece was detached from the pocket wall. A very attractive piece with a distinctive and rare color for the locality that would make a fine addition to any Smithsonite suite or a collection of pieces from Tsumeb. The piece comes with a label, stating it is from the collection of Heinz Gugeler.