Smithsonite

Item Description

An old-time specimen of Tsumeb Smithsonite featuring compressed rhombic crystals forming semi-"rosettes" of a soft cream colored hue, with a coating of reddish-brown iron oxide to create a beautiful two-tone appearance, sitting on matrix. This is not a typical style or color for Tsumeb Smithsonites, but the species is fairly wide-ranging from this locality, with a myriad of colors and crystal habits. Very little damage. It would make a great addition to a Smithsonite or Tsumeb collection, as it doesn't resemble most Smithsonites you'll see from this prolific mine. From the worldwide mineral collection of Albert Lewis Kidwell (January 1, 1919 - August 16, 2008). Al was a well-known mineral collector and research geologist with Carter Oil Company and later Exxon Oil Company in Houston, Texas. The phosphate species Kidwellite was named in his honor in 1974 ( https://www.mindat.org/photo-326405.html ).