Smithsonite (superb crystals)

Item Description

While Tsumeb might have more notoriety for its Smithsonite specimens, which come in a wide range of colors and styles, a case can be made that the Smithsonites from Berg Aukus are actually the best from any locality in Namibia. The size, quality and style of the best crystals is truly impressive, among the best of the species, not just from Namibia. Here we have a truly fantastic display specimen filled with very good-sized, rather sharp, well-formed, distinct rhombic crystals of a gorgeous butterscotch to pale golden hue measuring up to 3.3 cm on edge, sitting on minor matrix. Nearly every crystal is pristine, and the only damage/roughness is around the lower base of the piece where it was separated from the pocket wall. Old material dating back at least to the 1970s and nearly impossible to find on the market today. These are true classics and highly desirable among Smithsonite collectors or fans of minerals from Namibia. One of the best examples of the material that we've ever had to offer in the auctions. Valued $10,000-$12,000.
From the collection of Jack Halpern No. 2827. Jack was born May 18, 1920 in Brooklyn, New York, but has been a long-time resident of San Francisco. He assembled one of the great mineral collections in the world encompassing over 3,200 specimens with a specific emphasis on color, quality, and style/aesthetics, which is evident in every piece. He admired specimens of all sizes from thumbnails to large cabinets and the vast majority of them rank from fine to world-class in their quality.
Above all else, Jack is considered to be the greatest gentleman in the modern era of mineral collecting. He is beloved by all those who have met him, and he truly is one of the most iconic figures in the mineral world. We recently acquired Jack's collection, and the VAST majority of these pieces will be offered here in the auctions, as we feel that everyone deserves and equal opportunity at acquiring these important, well-documented and fine quality pieces for their collections. We are honored to have the opportunity to offer Jack's treasures to everyone on a regular basis in the auctions.
We encourage you to read our blog post at https://www.irocks.com/the-jack-halpern-collection or his profile on the Mineralogical Record website https://mineralogicalrecord.com/biographies_labels/halpernjack/ for more information