Cuprian Smithsonite (excellent - rare) Rob Smith Coll.

Item Description

Berg Aukas smithsonites compare with the best from anywhere at the top of their game, when seen, and this is an outstanding and rare example of cuprian smithsonite. Juicy, translucent, apple-green botryoids are intergrown in to much larger spherical aggregates on the scultpural, 3-dimensional, coral-like specimen. In fact, this piece is SOLID smithsonite! Scintillating, gemmy, colorless and brown smithonsite rhombs cover much of the piece. The broken faces reveal the inner core of massive, glassy, milky-white smithsonite. These were mined in the 1960s-1970s and are VERY rare on the market today. In fact, smithsonites of this quality are gemmy enough, some are cut into collector gemstones. The apple-green color is very rich on this piece, and the luster and translucency are excellent. But in person, it is even better than shown. These are extremely rare smithsonites for the color and habit, and quite attractive for Berg Aukas. Valued at $1200-1500 and frankly one of the best Berg Aukas smithsonite we have every offered at auction. Ex Rob Smith Namibia Collection. NOTE that this is not Tsumeb, though some may mistake it so (and add the locality as such to increase the price and valuation)