Smithsonite var. Cuprian

Item Description

Four different shades of green is but one of several intriguing characteristics of this large, small-cabinet Smithsonite from the storied Tsumeb Mine in Namibia, of the rare intense green variety with color caused by cuprian (copper) content. While Tsumeb Smithsonites, one of the mine's most coveted species, are known for their outstanding and curved rhombic crystals, this piece is actually botryoidal (i.e. curvy). Each botryoidal rounded growth, which can range up to 1.2 cm across, has literally hundreds of ultrafine crystalline faces that compose their surfaces. Already translucent-to-gemmy, this surface texture creates a sparkly sheen that looks wet, and it significantly enhances both the colors and the translucency. It is a multigenerational piece, and that is what gives the patterning. Really, it looks like an artist molded different tints of green jello into a grape-like surface, and then took a palette knife and made glittering swaths of white across each botryoid. With such great luster, form and color, the aesthetics are outstanding. Even better in person, by far. A large display specimen of this style, classic, and very rare. Valued $2500-plus.