Unusual large Smithsonite with Goethite

Item Description

This specimen is part of the 2020 Dallas Mineral Collecting Symposium benefit auction, with proceeds benefiting Mineralogical Record, Rocks & Minerals, Tucson Gem and Mineral Society, and mindat.org. Thanks to all of our participants!

Billing for this auction will occur on Monday, August 24, for payment using PayPal or credit card. Shipping will be billed at cost, or please contact brandy@mineralauctions.com if you'd like to plan on picking up items at future shows or during a stop through Dallas.

This strange-looking specimen of pink smithsonite is equally goethite - the two mixed together seemingly at random to create a puzzle piece look of brown and pink. The smithsonite is a habit unusual for ANY location but looks at first like Choix material - Choix was famous for pink smithsonite found only really during a few short periods of the mine's history since the 1960s. It has an old label, assigning it to another mine, in fact, because it is so unusual. But, it is definitely from Choix! It is not your typical Choix smithsonite look at all and that is what is also special about it. It is a very visual, modern-artistic piece since the specimen is vuggy and three dimensional, with coverage all around. Label shows purchase from a previous dealer ($2500 label included) some years ago. Valued $2500.
Donated by Peter Megaw and the Megaw family.