Smithsonite

Unknown Owner

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Outstanding classic from New Mexico consisting of a beautiful bluish green botryoidal slightly translucent thick grouping of smithsonite. This is in super condition. The Kelly Mine, located near Magdalena in Socorro County, New Mexico, was established in the late 19th century as part of the Magdalena Mining District, which began producing ore around 1878 and continued into the mid-20th century. Originally mined for lead, zinc, copper, silver, and gold, the Kelly Mine became particularly famous among mineral collectors for its spectacular smithsonite — a zinc carbonate mineral that formed in the oxidized zones of the zinc-lead ores. Smithsonite from Kelly is especially prized for its botryoidal (globular) masses and distinctive blue-green to aqua colors, often tinged by copper impurities, which make it highly desirable for collectors and occasional gem use. Although commercial mining largely ended by the 1950s — the mine closed around 1957 — the deposit remains a classic locality in the mineral world and is historically one of the best sources of attractive smithsonite specimens in North America. The specimen comes with a custom acrylic display base.