Smithsonite Var. Cuprian

Unknown Owner

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A riveting specimen of the rare, "sugary" style of intense green smithsonite from Tsumeb, produced in a single pocket in the late 1970s or early 1980s. This piece came from a collection purchased in Africa by the Sussmans, solely to get this specimen. There are few that rival it for size, and they are held by major museums or collectors not releasing them. Of the examples I have seen, even including the Houston Museum example and the piece formerly in the noted smithsonite collection of the Zweibels, this one excels because of its aesthetic edges, dramatic 3-D form, and translucency. There is no damage at all - it is perfect despite the large size. Joe Budd photos.