SOLD
PANC20-02
Smithsonite on Aurichalcite
Kelly Mine, Magdalena Dist., Socorro Co., New Mexico, USA
Thumbnail, 2.5 x 2.2 x 1.9 cm
Ex. William Panczner
SOLD

Kelly Mine smithsonite is a highly sought-after USA classic for obvious reasons, and although there are many large specimens on the market today, there are actually relatively few competition-worthy thumbnails! This is one such, unique for the poise and balance of the single perfect blue ball on matrix (1.3 cm across). We often say that the best Kelly smithsonite has a robin's egg blue color, but this actually looks like an egg! It is unique among such specimens we have seen, in its stark aesthetics, completeness, and perfection. For a matrix example from this mine, in thumbnail size, it would be hard to beat. From the award-winning thumbnail collection of Sharon and William Panczner, author of the book Minerals Of Mexico, and last seen and exhibited in the 1960s. This is not just a small representative Kelly Mine piece, it is a superb specimen with incredible aesthetics on matrix - the difference between a "thumbnail specimen" and a "competitive thumbnail specimen."