Cadmium Smithsonite, Masua Mine, Iglesias, South Sardinia Prov, Sardinia, Italy

5.8 cm diameter

The Masua Mine began operation in 1857 and operated for over 130 years until its official closure. The mine is now part of the Geological Mining Park of Sardinia. These circular lemon colored smithsonites are unique to Sardinia and are believed to have been found in the early days of mining. The near-perfect circular bullseye growth pattern is the most desirable and sought after by collectors. This example is a complete piece of cadmium smithsonite, not merely a slice. It is one of the most exceptional examples extant.

Similar smithsonites can be found in these museum collections;

Collection at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA

Collection at A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum of Michigan Tech, Houghton, Michigan, USA

DuPont collection at the University of Delaware Mineral Museum, Newark, Delaware, USA