Smithsonite

$5,000.00

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The ArkenstoneFeatured

3,403 for sale·Member since 2026

A historic rarity in the Smithsonite or European collecting worlds, this is a display-sized plate of intensely colored Smithsonite from the ancient mines of Greece: these Smithsonites came out many years ago and were the best blues available in the 1800s and early 1900s, prior to the Kelly Mine material coming out. Minette would have obtained this from an old collection being sold, long ago. Interesting layering and growth patterns can be observed along the edges of the Smithsonite, and the luster of the botryoidal surface shimmers beautifully. One half of the piece also has a thin layer of baby blue botryoidal Aurichalcite sandwiched within the Smithsonite. Lovely on its own, the Aurichalcite adds even more coloration to the Smithsonite, and, as with the Kelly, this is a classic combination. Lavrion Smithsonites are still highly desired for their soft color and old world history. Quite possibly mid-1900s, or older. Out of the famous collection of James and Dawn Minette, their label and a very old label are included with this enormously aesthetic specimen.