Smithsonite stalactite slices (old - classic locale)

Item Description

This fine and colorful pair of polished smithsonite slices exhibit great lustre and translucence, striking central "eyes", and superb variable color. They are considered classic and highly desirable old-time rarities from the heyday of the fabled Lavrion District mines generally considered around 1900 or earlier. They only come out of old collections, anymore. A highlight of old collections was to get a Lavrion stalactitic smithsonite, sliced to show the banding. Most are gray or ugly - these multi-hued beauties should be considered very rare. Highly polished on both sides, with just a thin veneer of lightly bruised drusy smithsonite on the exterior. Backlit or normally lit, the slabs exhibit dense multiple lines of banding similar to that observed in famous fortification agates from Mexico or Argentina. Seldom on the market.