Smithsonite, Aurichalcite, Rosasite, Azurite

Item Description

A unique find from Africa! A thick, colorful slice out of a rare smithsonite stalactite formation from the Republic of Congo! Tomek Praszkier and his team at Spirifer mined, cut, and sold these from 2023 summer mining season. This particular slice, although not the largest, had perhaps the most intense color possible and is really surprising for the variety of hues of blue in one piece. Note that the smithsonite is included with copper minerals in radiating bands of color: rosasite coloring the smithsonite as an inclusion; and then layers of azurite, malachite, and finally of aurichalcite on the outside rim. While he found numerous specimens which cut blue smithsonite and showed patterns, only a very very few, also had the dark blue rind of azurite at the outside that highlights and accentuates the banded smithsonite below. Amazing lapidary material, this can be a specimen or material for making some beautiful cabochons.

This specimen is part of the 2024 Dallas Mineral Collecting Symposium benefit auction, with proceeds benefiting Mineralogical Record, Rocks & Minerals, Tucson Gem and Mineral Society, and mindat.org. Thanks to all of our participants!

Billing for this auction will occur on Monday, August 19th, for payment using PayPal or a credit card. Shipping will be billed at cost.