CSG-15
Smithsonite
Hilarion Mine, Lavrion, Lavreotiki, Attica, Greece
Cabinet, 10.7 x 10.7 x 6.3 cm
Ex. Christos Spiromitros
$2,400.00 Payment Plan Available
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Exquisite, huge and complete "pocket" of unusually-colored, ice-blue Smithsonite. This significant, cabinet-sized specimen is from the well-known Hilarion Mine, which is within the ancient and heralded Lavrion Mining District. The translucent, spherical aggregates have such a good luster that they almost look wet when lit up, as if the ice was just on the verge of melting. Found in 2020, this rare color is from the recent finds here, and the coloration is thought to be from traces of copper and possibly REE (rare earth elements in minute amounts). There is even a tan mineral within the rind/matrix that fluoresces white (perhaps Calcite, perhaps more Smithsonite). Smithsonite specimens from Lavrion of this size, especially exemplary ones like this, are rare. This is some of the best blue color I have seen from this historic mining district, combined with size and an unusual sparkly surface.