Smithsonite var. Manganoan

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A very rare example from a single notable and famous pocket of 1984, which has distinctive reddish-pink Smithsonite of a unique hue and shape combination compared to other finds. This is caused by MANGANESE and NOT by the usual COBALT (which gives pink Smithsonite its color from other localities, and indeed from other pockets at Tsumeb as well). This piece is incredibly rich, with literally hundreds of sharp, curved rhombs, a classic habit for Tsumeb Smithsonites. The luster is excellent, and many of the crystals average about 4-5 mm on edge. Their overall condition is excellent, with only one bruise. This is one of the rarest varieties of Smithsonite, and to my knowledge occurred only from Tsumeb in any quality. I buy all that turn up, occasionally getting lucky and buying one mislabeled as the more common cobaltian varietal - so keep an eye out, too!