Smithsonite (crystallized!) (ex Josef Vajdak)

Item Description

When it comes to blue Smithsonite, I think a lot of collectors conjure up images of the beautiful specimens from Kelly Mine in New Mexico. Some of the most impressive and beautifully colored specimens of Smithsonite were found at this locality. Most of the Smithsonites from this mine is found in semi-botryoidal or reniform "balls", but THIS piece is significant as it shows defined crystallized Smithsonite blades which have formed into spherical aggregates. They might looks like "balls" to the naked eye, but under magnification, you can clearly see hundreds if not thousands of highly compressed crystals tightly intergrown. There are also thin semi-fibrous Smithsonites on the specimens as well as almost curved groups of tiny crystals that can be seen here and there. The largest "ball" measures about 5 mm across. The beautiful color combined with the rarely seen crystallized Smithsonite make this is a very interesting and worthwhile specimen of this classic material. The piece comes with a classic label from Josef Vajdak / Pequa Rare Minerals, which immediately increases the value. You can read Joe's biography here: http://www.minrec.org/labels.asp?colid=1371

PLEASE NOTE: It has been suggested that this piece in fact be Aurichalcite, and not Smithsonite, as the habit and style of the crystals similar to other pieces seen from the locality.
We were copying the information on the label from Joe, who was incredibly reliable when it came to species identification.