Natural History

Smithsonite

Lot Closed

December 3, 07:47 PM GMT

Estimate

2,000 - 3,000 USD

Lot Details

Description

Smithsonite

Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia

5¼ by 4¾ by 1¾ inches (13.1 x 12 x 4 cm). Custom lucite base.

This specimen displays large, rhombohedral crystals of pink smithsonite that have formed together over a bit of matrix.

Variable in color, smithsonite is a member of the trigonal crystal family. The mineral form of zinc carbonate, it is often referred to as "zinc spar" or "turkey fat". The specimen offered here is quite attractive, due in large part to both the arrangement of crystals and their calming pink hue.