Cuprian Smithsonite with Cerussite and Rosasite ps. after Malachite - image 1

Cuprian Smithsonite with Cerussite and Rosasite ps. after Malachite

$750.00

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Crystal Classics
Crystal ClassicsFeatured
Tucson, Arizona, USA
7,543 for sale·132 sold
Renowned for its complex geochemistry and diverse mineralogy, the Tsumeb mine in Namibia has fascinated mineralogists and mineral collectors for generations. At very large miniature in size, this remarkable specimen invites contemplation and study. Dominated by carbonates, both sides are liberally encrusted with lovely, glassy, lime-green Cuprian Smithsonite crystals but there is far more to this piece than just zinc carbonate. On one side, the Cuprian Smithsonite is accompanied by many small dark green balls of Rosasite but the Rosasite has also coalesced to form a layer over a larger bladed crystal which was probably Azurite which has now been pseudomorphed by the Rosasite. A few cream coloured small Cerussite (lead carbonate) crystals are also in attendance. Explaining the order, or paragenesis, of how these species formed is far more complicated. Ex Kessler Collection.

Product details

Species
Smithsonite, Azurite, RosasiteAbout Smithsonite →
SizeSmall Cabinet
Dimensions5.8 x 4.4 x 4.3 cm
Listed on04/11/2026
Locality
Namibia, Oshikoto Region, TsumebRegional guide →
SKUCC54610

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Smithsonite
Mineral guide
Learn about Smithsonite
ZnCO3 with botryoidal and crystalline forms, silky to vitreous luster, pastel hues from cobalt to yellow; localities boost collecting appeal.
Smithsonite
Regional guide
Smithsonite from Tsumeb, Namibia
is one of the defining collector minerals of Tsumeb: not merely because it is common there, but because Tsumeb turns a usually massive or botryoidal zinc carbonate into a locality signature mineral with uncommon crystal variety, depth of color, and association. Tsumeb smithsonite spans the familiar apple-greens and blue-greens of copper-bearing material, soft pink to violet-pink cobaltoan and manganoan-looking rhombs, yellow-brown and chocolate-brown iron-rich crystals, pale grey to white crusts, colorless to translucent rhombs, and rare red-pink material from the deeper oxidized workings. The best specimens combine sharp rhombohedral or scalenohedral crystals with the sculptural mineralogical theater for which Tsumeb is famous: galena-rich sulfide matrix, sugary dolomite, black tennantite and pyrite ore, cerussite, mimetite, malachite, wulfenite, duftite, dioptase, and willemite.