Smithsonite var. Cuprian
Unknown Owner
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This specimen has the most neon green, saturated, uranium-green color you could imagine in a green Smithsonite. It is more intense than almost any example from Tsumeb, highly lustrous as if wet, and with great translucency. It would be an important Smithsonite in the size range for crystallized green Smithsonite from ANY locale, but it is - shockingly - Greek in origin. This small-cabinet specimen is comprised of rounded clusters of crystallized Smithsonite elegantly perched on contrasting matrix, and comes from the classic old mines of Lavrion. The excellent luster on these translucent-to-gemmy Smithsonites really makes them sparkle from multiple small crystal faces and lets you appreciate the complexity of all the intergrown crystals. These clusters cover a majority of the matrix with a rich carpet, but still with isolation between. Collected in 2020, one of the best of pocket, and from one of the best Smithsonite finds in modern Greek discoveries. It is almost unheard of to find a green Smithsonite from any other locality that can hold its own or even beat Tsumeb specimens - and for color saturation, this beats nearly all previous examples from anywhere.
Product details
Known provenance
| Date | Collector | Acquisition price |
|---|---|---|
| 08/2024 | Unknown Owner | Not disclosed |
| — | The Arkenstone | Not disclosed |
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Mineral guide
Learn about Smithsonite
ZnCO3 with botryoidal and crystalline forms, silky to vitreous luster, pastel hues from cobalt to yellow; localities boost collecting appeal.Regional guide


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