Smithsonite

Unknown Owner

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Derbyshire has long been known as one of the best historic sources of Smithsonite in England although at the very highest end their quality never quite compares with those from Alston Moor or the Yorkshire Dales. Nevertheless it has produced some noteworthy specimens and what often surprises me is the appearance of long-forgotten sources. This very rich cream coloured botryoidal Smithsonite is one such example. It comes from Martin Kershaw's collection (no. 905) but is accompanied by an earlier label documenting it as from Old Nestor mine at Matlock. Old Nestor mine or Nester mine was made into a tourist attraction in 1812 and is now part of the tourist attraction known as the Height's of Abraham - as Rutland Cavern. This explains why I have never seen another specimen from there. A great Derbyshire Smithsonite and a real rare locality piece.