Smithsonite var. Cobaltian and Cerussite

Item Description

Beautiful, unusually vibrant and deep-pink color highlights this rich Smithsonite specimen from Tsumeb. Highly representative for this renowned mine, these Cobalt-rich Smithsonites have good luster, gemmy-to-translucent interiors, and complex, curved habits. Much of the matrix is blanketed by these Smithsonites, which range up to 8 mm in size. Nestled in one valley of the Smithsonites is a cluster of tabular, twinned, whitish Cerussites to 1 cm. One edge has wear, please note; but these Cerussites provide a sharp contrast in both form and color that makes them stand out dramatically against the field of pink. The Cerussite fluoresces both a muted white and yellow, and surprisingly, a look with UV light exposed a fair amount of unnoticed Calcite (bright orange) tucked among the Smithsonites. Excellent color, the combination of the two species, and the sheer abundance of the crystals, make this a very aesthetic and desirable Tsumeb Smithsonite. Valued $3500-plus for size, color, and display impact.