Smithsonite

Unknown Owner

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Large, aesthetic specimen of completely gemmy and highly lustrous Smithsonite. These crystals are 4-5 mm on edge and many have the classic longitudinal striations, while the remaining have a mirror luster. The color ranges from clear (earlier crystals) to a light transparent bronze (latter growth) that is quite attractive. These layers and knobs of Smithsonite rest on a dense sulfide matrix (perhaps Tennantite), and one side of many of the Smithsonites have a microcrystalline coating of the same mineral. It still amazes me how preferential many coatings are - in this case it looks like driven sulfide snow all coming from one direction. As good as the pics are, they cannot adequately convey the scope and impressiveness of this cabinet piece.