Smithsonite var. Cobaltian

Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
Ex. Dr. Erika Pohl-Stroher - 29690
Miniature, 4.0 x 3.7 x 3.3 cm
Start Time: 08/03/2023 7:00:00 pm (CDT)
End Time: 08/10/2023 6:30:00 pm (CDT)
Auction Closed
Winning Bid: $650
View Closed Auction Set

Item Description

Pink Smithsonites from the great Tsumeb Mine are instantly recognizable for their distinct look and inherent beauty, and this is a choice, competitive miniature with superb color. The curved, almost rhombic, crystals have lovely form and a gorgeous, silky luster. This luster complements the translucent-to-gemmy interiors and gives the crystals 'body' so they stand out visually. The unique and attractive pink color is caused by traces of cobalt. The largest crystal is 1.1 cm, and there is only the tiniest bit of edgewear that is basically microscopic. Interesting geometry, with clusters of Smithsonites attached to intersecting plates of matrix, adds even more to the engaging aesthetics of this fine miniature. Note the low collection number, dating the piece to near when it was found (they came out in the 1960s-1970s) and acquired soon after.

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Bidding History

Bid Amount Bid Time
$650 08/10/2023 6:23:40 pm (CDT)
$625 08/10/2023 6:23:40 pm (CDT)
$550 08/10/2023 6:19:23 pm (CDT)
$525 08/10/2023 6:19:23 pm (CDT)
$275 08/10/2023 6:12:55 pm (CDT)
$265 08/10/2023 6:12:55 pm (CDT)
$255 08/10/2023 6:12:32 pm (CDT)
$245 08/10/2023 6:12:32 pm (CDT)
$235 08/10/2023 1:26:32 pm (CDT)
$225 08/10/2023 1:26:32 pm (CDT)
$190 08/10/2023 12:05:24 pm (CDT)
$180 * 08/10/2023 12:05:09 pm (CDT)
$180 * 08/10/2023 12:05:09 pm (CDT)
$156 08/10/2023 8:12:15 am (CDT)
$146 08/10/2023 8:12:15 am (CDT)
$136 08/05/2023 6:57:13 pm (CDT)
$130 08/05/2023 6:57:13 pm (CDT)
$72 08/04/2023 2:57:01 pm (CDT)
$62 08/04/2023 2:57:00 pm (CDT)
$30 08/04/2023 1:21:52 am (CDT)
$25 08/04/2023 1:21:52 am (CDT)
$15 08/03/2023 9:09:25 pm (CDT)
$10 08/03/2023 8:28:39 pm (CDT)
* Proxy Bid Battle: In the event of two customers inputting matching proxy bids, the leading bid goes to the earliest of the two proxy bids. Tie winners are shown in bold.