T14B-02
Smithsonite
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
Small Cabinet, 9.0 x 8.0 x 4.0 cm
SOLD
Rich cluster of sharp and unusually white-colored Smithsonites from the world's best locality for these crystals. Well-developed crystals of this sharpness, and in such a dense cluster, are uncommon and hard to find today. The Smithsonite crystals are "pointy" and elongated. They are a very nice, off-white color and they have a bright, silky luster and classic, curved rhombohedral habit. The edges have a particularly bright, pearly luster that shimmers (and the edges are also translucent). The largest Smithsonite crystal is about 1.6 cm on edge. This piece is in excellent condition and it is aesthetic. At first thought, I recoiled from a "colorless" smithsonite. Most of them are gemmy or pink or green.. but then I got to thinking how rare a white smithsonite is, and I cannot recall seeing one quite like this. Aside from the color, the shape is sharp and interesting.