Smithsonite var. Cuprian

Item Description

Tsumeb is rightly considered the greatest mine of all time, and among its many produced minerals Smithsonites are elevated to one of its signature species. And among those, the green and blue Smithsonites are highly treasured. This EXCELLENT small cabinet has a rich cluster of mint-green, Smithsonite rhombs that cover the undulating surface. These first-rate crystals are the classic curved-rhomb habit, and they are translucent to gemmy. The crystals average about 7 mm in size, and they present beautifully. Cuprian Smithsonites from Tsumeb are rare, and a quality one such as this of the crystallized vartiety is even more so. They almost never come to market with this level of aesthetics. A fine specimen like this, could easily be expected to be priced at shows for $2500-5000 depending on the dealer and the collection it came from. It is perhaps the most rare of cuprian styles, to get these sharp crystals.