Cadmium Smithsonite on Galena

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The orange, cadmium-bearing variety of Smithsonite is rarely seen as well-defined crystals anywhere in the world, except for Tsumeb, but even then specimens are certainly not common. High class specimens like this, with an intensity in colour such that the crystals look like they are glowing are absolute rarities to be treasured. Sat upon a partially oxidized but sturdy Galena base the Smithsonite developed initially as a thin crust but expanded outwards into much larger and perfectly formed rhombic crystals. The largest crystal reaches 1.2 cm in length on edge, but most are in the 4 to 5 mm size range. In common with most cadmium Smithsonite from Tsumeb mine, the initial Smithsonite is white to colourless indicating a relatively pure zinc carbonate with the orange colour developing later towards the edges of the crystals. This transition has produced a magnificent colour zonation within the crystals, adding to its undoubted class. Furthermore, light transmits through the orange tips to produce a wonderful glow. At cabinet specimen in size, this specimen displays superbly well. An extremely classy Tsumeb Smithsonite from the generations-old Weyand collection.