Smithsonite

Unknown Owner

Help improve this recordNo owner is registered for this specimen yet. If it's yours or you know more about it, you can add the owner, provenance, publications and other details.

This magnificent, 11.4 cm long cabinet specimen of turquoise green Smithsonite is from the famous Kelly mine at Magdalena, in Socorro County, New Mexico, USA. Translucent spheres of this delicately coloured Smithsonite average about 1.5 cm in diameter and richly line a broad and shallow Goethite lined cavity; the contrast between the Smithsonite and Goethite creating a delightful visual impact. Each sphere has a micro-crystallised surface, giving the frosted texture and silky to satin lustre. Kelly mine lies within the Magdalena Mining District of Socorro County and worked a rich zinc-lead-copper-silver-gold lode which was first discovered in 1878 and eventually closed in 1957. However, specimen mining continued and continues to this day (as far as I know). This stunning, aesthetic Smithsonite from Kelly mine is supplied on a custom made, clear acrylic base. The base contains a milled profile into which the specimen engages for display, together with an attached label.