Cadmium Smithsonite

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An impressive example of the rare, cadmium-rich variety of Smithsonite, from the most important locality for these crystals. Throughout the late 1970s, these came out of Tsumeb in a very few small pockets. Such pieces were always rare, and highly valued even locally. Crystals of this sharpness, and in such nice clusters, are uncommon today. The Smithsonite rhombs are a very nice, light butterscotch in color, and they have a sparkly, silky luster and classic, curved rhombahedral habit. The largest Smithsonite crystal is about 1 cm on edge. This piece is complete all along the top, and the rising knob of butterscotch-to-yellow crystals creates an aesthetic, 3-dimensional look. Classic and aesthetic.