Smithsonite on Descloizite

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When it comes to the world's finest crystallized Smithsonite two of the world's most important discoveries are based in Namibia: Tsumeb and Berg Aukas. With the iconic status of Tsumeb mine pulling in the interest of mineral collectors from around the world Berg Aukas became somewhat overshadowed and specimens from the latter were even sent to Tsumeb for sale, causing considerable confusion. One key to their identification is the presence of Descloizite, a species so embedded in the history of Berg Aukas, but generally absent from Tsumeb mine. This lovely small cabinet specimen actually came from the generations-old Weyand Collection held in Tsumeb town, but is clearly from Berg Aukus as it features classic orange-brown dendritic to stalactitic Descloizite encased with sharp, finely crystallized spiky, matt grey-white Smithsonite crystals. Berg Aukas mine closed in the 1970s, making this an older survivor.