Smithsonite

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Smithsonite has the ability to form in a dazzling array of colours, based on the presence of trace elements within its structure. When pure, zinc carbonate is colourless to white, but when other metals are present within the oxidized ores their influence can have a spectacular effect. Blue and green are usually indicative of the presence of copper, but this magical miniature from Silver Bill mine in Cochise Co., Arizona, USA takes the influence of copper to a whole new level. Perhaps not as well-known as some of the other mines in Arizona, Silver Bill mine has nevertheless produced some exceptional sea-blue Smithsonite, along with excellent Rosasite and Aurichalcite. It is quite possible that Rosasite or Aurichalcite have some bearing on the blue colouration of the Smithsonite at that mine, but this beautiful piece is a delight to behold. Grading from frosted white at one end, this small botryoidal specimen progresses rapidly into a sumptuous sea-blue colour, but with its translucency adding significantly to its impact.