Smithsonite (Var. Manganoan)

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Aesthetically covering most of both sides of its matrix are intergrown crystals of lustrous and translucent light-red-pink colored smithsonite, to 8 mm across. For an added effect, much of the matrix has been pyritized and sparkles in the light. This color and habit, combined with the pyrite-rich matrix, indicates that this is a special piece form ONE pocket found which had manganese as the color chromophore, instead of the usual cobalt in pink smithsonite from other pockets here. The color and style of crystal is really quite distinct, once you have seen them a number of times. I am told this find was in 1984-1985. In any case, it is very rare, today, to see one turn up.