Smithsonite var. Cadmian

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The great Tsumeb Mine is justifiably famous for many species, Smithsonite among them. This thumbnail cluster of pseudocubic Smithsonite is dominated by one 1.7 cm crystal, attached to several, smaller, interpenetrating Smithsonites. The two-tone, almost caramel, color is reflected in the zoning of the crystals, and it is quite attractive along with an almost iridescent effect from the gemminess. The color is due to cadmium inclusions and came from ONE specific pocket of the early 1970s. Pseudocubic Smithsonites from Tsumeb are known for their gentle curvature of the edges, as well as the subtle, scalloped nature to the faces. Even with a slight bit of edge wear, and the contact, this is a fine and attractive large thumbnail.