Gorgeous, dark pink crystals of Manganoan Smithsonite crystals cascade down the front of this attractive Tsumeb piece. This is an excellent example of this rare varietal, where the red color is due to manganese substitution and not cobalt like the more common variety and Tsumeb produced the best Manganoan Smithsonites in the world as well. These gemmy to translucent Manganoan Smithsonites range in size from 0.5 to 1.5 cm in maximum dimension and have some internal crazing that reflects incoming light and makes them "pop"! The Smithsonites are aesthetically emplaced on a silicified matrix consisting of brassy, granular Pyrite and minor amounts of small, milky Quartz, which is in itself unusual. The more red tones of this Manganoan Smithsonite are distinct compared to the pastel pink hues of various styles of Cobaltoan Smithsonite from Tsumeb and are readily distinguishable after you have seen them in person, although also commonly mislabeled in old collections. Most Manganoan Smithsonites are thought to have come out in 1984-1985 and were originally sold as Cobaltoan Smithsonite but in person they are subtly distinct, this being far more rare. This is a showy and well balanced piece with large and fine crystals of this variety! ex David Stoudt collection