Manganoan Smithsonite

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Manganoan Smithsonite is much, much rarer, compared with Cobaltoan Smithsonite at Tsumeb mine, or indeed worldwide. Whilst Cobaltoan Smithsonite is renowned for its pale pink to intense bubble-gum pink colour, Manganoan Smithsonite is typically much redder-pink in its tone, and could almost be confused with Rhodochrosite such is its similarity in colour and crystal form. Often, Manganoan Smithsonite from Tsumeb mine presents much sharper rhombic crystals than Cobaltoan Smithsonite where a more varied range of forms are seen, but usually with slightly rounded crystal edges. This lovely miniature Manganoan Smithsonite features a cluster of about 8, sharp, rhombic crystals at the top of a mixed Quartz-Sulphide matrix. This grouping of Manganoan Smithsonite crystals display very nicely, with good deeper colour and with the crystals in great condition. The largest crystals reach 8 mm on edge.