Pink Smithsonite

Item Description

We have seen so few of these old, 1970s-era pink smithsonites turn up on the market again, and this is one of the best that has come up in years. It is a hot pink color, unique to old material from the 1960s or early 1970s era of Mexican minerals, and it still stands out in a showcase for the unique color. The color is something like a modern moroccan cobaltian calcite, although with a velvety luster and a really silky texture to it....unique in the mineral world, in our experience. This is a full cabinet piece, aesthetic and dramatic in display. It is 3-dimensional, not the usual flat plate. At #1679 in the museum collection, this is an older specimen and was donated by the museum founders Helen and Richard Rice. Valued $5000-plus for color, size, impact, and quality in such an old classic.