Hematite coating Smithsonite

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Hematite is very rare from Tsumeb, and this piece is remarkable for the locality. The main Hematite "crystal" is a coating atop a classic Tsumeb Smithsonite which has elongated growth, 2.5 cm tip-to-tip. The Hematite overgrowth is relatively smooth towards one end and clearly botryoidal on the other end. It rests atop a matrix of heavy ore, with a few small unusual bladed crystals up to about 3 mm (these should be Wulfenite or even Stolzite). Perhaps not colorful, but the rarity of this mineral assemblage, especially the sheer quality of the Hematite associated with signature Smithsonite, gives it an elegance all its own. Dr. Erika Pohl-Ströher - 42079.