Cuprian Smithsonite

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Tsumeb mine in Namibia has produced without question, the world's finest crystals of Cuprian Smithsonite. Typically small at best, these still outshine most other green Smithsonites which are invariably botryoidal aggregates everywhere else. This fine miniature specimen from Tsumeb is not only really nicely crystallized, with extremely lustrous, glassy Cuprian Smithsonite microcrystals, but it is a rare example showing the transition in colour and compostion. Internally, the back of the specimen is interspersed primary grey sulphide with minor secondary Cuprite, Rosasite (blue) and layers of cream coloured Smithsonite. This Smithsonite begins as mainly botryoidal, in shades of cream, yellow and grey, but transitions in the end to a lime-green layer of glossy crystals. These crystals are so gemmy that in some areas the underlying yellow core of Smithsonite can be seen through the green. Ex Kessler Collection.