Smithsonite from Namibia, Oshikoto Region, Tsumeb

Smithsonite ps. Cerussite

Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region, Namibia

6 x 4.6 x 3.8 cm

Here we have a large miniature specimen of one of the Tsumeb Mine’s more interesting pseudomorphs. The specimen displays sea foam to pastel blue, botryoidal to globular aggregate of smithsonite, forming rounded, grape-like clusters of interlocking microcrystalline to granular crystals. The overall habit is massive-botryoidal with no preservation of distinct rhombohedral crystal faces, suggesting replacement or precipitate growth rather than free crystallization.

This pseudomorph is an example of reconstructive replacement rather than atom for atom replacement. And the pastel blue color is likely a result of a small Cu2 replacement of Zn2. This is an excellent example of Smithsonite ps. Cerussite from Tsumeb!