Manganoan Smithsonite w Chalcocite Inclusions on Sulfides

This is a really quite an interesting specimen for a variety of reasons. The first reason is that due to the particular reddish color of the smithsonite and the association with pyrite this specimen would typically be attributed as a manganoan smithsonite rather than a stereotypical cobaltoan smithsonite. These particular manganoan smithsonites were mined 1984-1985 and are much harder to find than the cobaltoan variety. Now I will state that no analysis has been done and this attribution of color due to trace elements at Tsumeb is actually quite a tricky topic and many purist will argue it should be simply called smithsonite. However besides just the color there are inclusions in this smithsonite that are identified on the original Clive Queit label as being chalcocite! That is not common by any means. Additionally there is a mixture of crystallized chalcocite, pyrite, chalcopyrite matrix on the bottom of the smithsonite. So truly a greatly interesting specimen if you like Tsumeb mineralogy.

Unknown Owner

Product details

Species

Smithsonite, Chalcocite, Chalcopyrite, Pyrite

SizeMiniature

Dimensions4.5 x 4.3 x 2.4 cm

Locality

Namibia, Oshikoto Region, Tsumeb

Added on03/26/2025

Comments

Known provenance

2025/09