Smithsonite

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Very different in form to Tsumeb Smithsonite, this large aggregate of somewhat rosetted thin platy, to bladed pale cream pearlescent crystals is from arguably the most significant deposit of crystallized Smithsonite in the world, at Berg Aukas. However, due to its proximity, many specimens were sent to Tsumeb and incorrectly sold as from there. Berg Aukas mine closed in the late 1970s, showing that this is a classic. The individual shallow angled curved rhombic bladed crystals reach 1.7 cm across and completely encrust the upper part of this dense specimen, with a little white acicular Willemite underneath. There is some minor scuffing to one of the bladed crystals, but overall this is a superb display of this exceptionally unusual form of Smithsonite. Ex Weyand Collection.