Smithsonite (Cadmium-bearing)

Item Description

Smithsonite can be found in nearly every color of the rainbow, which all typically are caused by some kind of chemical chromophore. It is a well-known and is a popular species due to the fact that it's found in many world localities, in a variety of styles/habits and colors. Here we have an eye-catching specimen of these lovely yellow Smithsonites from Wenshan. These specimens appeared on the market a few years ago, but they were actually mined circa 2002-2003 and were held back for many years, as there were hopes that more would be found. As soon as collectors got a chance to buy them, they were wildly popular for their beautiful color and gorgeous form. The color is caused by cadmium content, which is often the case when one encounters yellow Smithsonites like this. 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 very showy, group consisting of botryoidal, pseudo-velvety Smithsonite with a strong yellow color on one end, and more of a silvery-yellow hue on the other, along with a waxy luster, sitting on matrix. The Smithsonites have formed in semi-stalactitic/layered aggregates, and are beautiful to view up close. A very desirable and now extremely hard to find specimen of this limited material. Very attractive and now sought after since nothing has been found in many years. The piece comes with a FREE acrylic display base! Priced in our inventory at $2,000.