Cuprian Smithsonite on Dolomite

Unknown Owner

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This specimen features a very rare style of cuprian smithsonite, such that I believe it was only found in one pocket (early 1980s?). The style is defined by isolated, gemmy, sharp crystals as you see in the closeup, to 8 mm in size. Usually, cuprian smithsonite from here is rhombohedral or a simple druse but these are more elongated and look more prismatic in habit. However, these are real, euhedral crystals of superb quality. A rich druse of glistening, sugary microcrystals contrasting against the dolomite matrix completes the visual appeal here! I have seen only one other of this type for sale recently, and that from the Sussman collection and at a much higher price for comparable quality (though the piece was larger, too)