Smithsonite (classic material)

Item Description

Smithsonite is one of the most well-known carbonate minerals, and has been found in hundreds of world localities in a wide variety of styles/habits and colors. Some of the most acclaimed, sought after and valuable examples are top pieces from the Kelly Mine in New Mexico. When somebody mentions blue Smithsonite, most collectors immediately think of this famous locality. For some people, the Kelly Mine is the most well-known mine in the entire state, and produced some of the most outstanding specimens of the species extant. This piece features lustrous/vitreous, translucent, light blue color aggregates of Smithsonite, sitting on oxidized matrix. A fine quality displays specimen of this old classic material from what is certainly one of the top 50 localities in the history of US minerals.
From the collection of the legendary Ron Romanella (February 28, 1932 - October 24, 2022), a well-known gem and mineral dealer from New York City. He studied mineralogy at Columbia School of Mines, and was mentored by Dr. Frederick Pough of the American Museum of Natural History. Ron learned about the business side from well-known mineral dealers Hugh Ford and Maurice Hammoneau. Ron himself was a mentor to other successful East Coast mineral dealers such as Larry Conklin, Herb Obodda and even employed Dave Wilber for a time. He largely transitioned out of selling minerals as his business focused more on gems for the last few decades, and his sons Michael and Jerry have been running the family business in Scottsdale for many years now. With that said, Ron was one of the great powerhouse mineral dealers in the US for many years, offering fine quality specimens and gem crystals from classic and contemporary localities. Among his top achievements, is that Ron is credited with importing the first known crystals of Tanzanite into the US in the 1960s.