Smithsonite included by Hematite with Cerussite

Item Description

Smithsonites are one of Tsumeb's prize mineral species, and those that are Hematite-tinted comprise a very very small subgroup among them. Pink smithsonites are colored by cobalt and some red smithsonites are colored by manganese but this is something very different, and seldom seen. Starting with the largest crystals, up to 1.1 cm on edge, there is so much that is unusual and intriguing. These larger crystals are pseudocubic, brick-red-colored, and more translucent towards the cores. The luster varies, but where there is unusual and preferential secondary overgrowths of Smithsonite, the luster is a rich and radiant satin. Scattered about are numerous, smaller Smithsonites that are equant, complex, and so gemmy they blend right in. What does stand out, in dramatic fashion like a white wolf on red sandstone hills, in a lone, twinned, translucent Cerussite that is 7 mm across. This small-cabinet piece is so unusual, and deserving of consideration with its very unique aesthetic. Rare, beautiful, and displayable, this is a subtle but important smithsonite for Tsumeb. From Dr. Pohl's low number (under 40,000) we see it came out in the smithsonite heyday of the mine, in the 1960s-1970s. We cannot recall the last time we had another such treasure of this style.