T14B-17
Smithsonite Var. Cobaltian
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
Cabinet, 14.6 x 12.5 x 6.0 cm
SOLD

Imposing large cabinet specimen of pink Manganoan Smithsonite (it weighs several pounds!). There are hundreds upon hundreds of crystals, covering the entire knob on all sides, save for the contact on bottom. The silky luster is excellent and the complete crystals curve gently, as is typical. What is so unusual, and frankly quite amazing, is that about half the Smithsonites are actually coatings on top of sulfides, either Galena or Pyrite (perhaps Marcasite). This gives the Smithsonite crystals varying colors when you look at them with light bouncing through. The largest of these reaches about 1.6 cm. This is an impressive and aesthetic specimen on several levels. And... It is big!