Cadmian Smithsonite and Smithsonite - image 1

Cadmian Smithsonite and Smithsonite - image 2

Cadmian Smithsonite and Smithsonite - image 3

Cadmian Smithsonite and Smithsonite - image 4

Cadmian Smithsonite and Smithsonite - image 5

Cadmian Smithsonite and Smithsonite

Unknown Owner

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This is a choice cabinet specimen of sharp Cadmian Smithsonite rhombohedral crystals on a knob of matrix coated by powdery Hemimorphite (according to the label - but it may be calcite). These golden-colored Smithsonites have a fascinating and iridescent luster with sharp edges, and the majority range up to 1.5 cm in size. The crystals are reasonably gemmy, and retain their individual beauty even within the cluster. Tucked under the cadmian yellow smithsonites is a 2 cm Cadmian Smithsonite crystal that lays low on the matrix, and actually has a pale pink (cobaltian) core with cadmian yellow highlights on the tips! The Hemimorphite(?)-coated matrix has a light blue fluorescence, and there are fine, orange unknown microcrystals throughout, some of which have a bright, orange-red fluorescence (this could be manganese rich calcite). There are some Cerussite crystals on the back. The aesthetics of this piece are very good simply for the color, but it is also a really fine and unusual example of this rare, cadmium-colored variety, with style. Note that the iridescent color is hard to capture. In person it has more subtle mixed tones of gold and yellow, that shimmer.