Smithsonite

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Even though Touissit is famous for its azurites and cerussites, exceptional pieces like this distinctive Smithsonite specimen add to the allure of this great locality, although seldom seen on the market. Rare and impressive, this small cabinet specimen of stalactitic Smithsonite features highly lustrous, translucent, sea-green "fingers" sculpturally centered in the middle of the pocket. When you think of 'stalactites', you automatically think of concentric growth, but these are composed of overlapping Smithsonite botryoids (similar to rice grains) that together comprise the central stalks. Unusual, and highly aesthetic. The associated white crystals (aragonite?) have a brilliant, yellow fluorescence. Often mistaken for and sold as Tsumeb green Smithsonites, these excellent pieces came out in the late 1980s and are rather unique to Toussit - seen in person, it is subtly different than Tsumeb material which might look similar in a photo, but is more rare. As well, the color is probably not caused by copper in these, but by a mix of other elements within.