Smithsonite var. Cadmian

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A significant and BIG yellow Cadmian Smithsonite specimen from Tsumeb with crystals up to a whopping 2.5cm across! The large, rhombohedral Smithsonites exhibit a nice yellow tone and are grouped around two, robust, translucent crystals displaying conspicuously in the middle. There are numerous large Smithsonite crystals on this piece and most are an attractive honey yellow color and others have a darker tint probably due to the underlying sulfides that comprise the matrix. The rhombohedral shape of the crystals is very evident given their size, and most crystal faces have an ever so slightly rounded aspect to them on close inspection - possibly because of their size, as this is unusual for cadmian smithsonite. Tsumeb is one of the premier world localities for large Smithsonite crystals and this excellent cabinet piece of this Cadmian variety (cadmium in parts per million gives it this special color) is a prime example. No damage to the crystals on the display face with contacting limited to the periphery of the piece and the bottom where it was removed from the pocket. The bottom reveals the sulfide matrix of granular massive Galena and Chalcocite. Comes with a custom lucite base.