Smithsonite

Unknown Owner

Kabwe mine, aka Broken Hill mine, in Central Province, Zambia is one of Africa's most famous lead-zinc mines. Opened in 1906 and closed in 1989, it was renowned for some stunningly well-crystallized secondary lead and zinc phosphates and carbonates. Most of the best specimens found their way into major museum collections during the 1920s and 1930s. It is now extremely rare to see Smithsonite specimens from this famous mine, let alone such large and perfectly formed crystals as these. This pure aggregate consists of glossy sherry-coloured rhombic crystals which reach over 2 cm in length. This is an important piece of Broken Hill's mineralogical heritage. The specimen comes with a custom-made acryllic display stand.