Smithsonite (cadmium-bearing)

Item Description

Going back to the early 2010s, these wonderful yellow Smithsonites started appearing on the market. They were found in Wenshan, but we discovered that were actually mined circa 2002-2003 and were held back for many years. Once they hit the market, they were wildly popular among collectors for their beautiful color and gorgeous form. These specimens are quite reminiscent of the old classic pieces that came from the Masua Mine in Italy many years ago. This piece is a showy, three-dimensional full-sized cabinet specimen consisting of botryoidal, strong yellow color Smithsonite with a resinous and almost directions luster sitting on matrix. There is rarely seen Smithsonite "finger" measuring flaring up, giving the piece a wonderful three-dimensional appeal, instead of being just flat plate. Additionally, if you flip the piece over, you'll see it has an oddly cavernous appearnce to the matrix, I can't remember seeing another piece quite like this. A very desirable and now extremely hard to find specimen of this limited material. The color is caused by cadmium content, which is often the case when one encounters yellow Smithsonites like this. The top / display side is in fine condition, and you can see it displays nicely from a few angles in the photos. Priced in the inventory at $1,800.