Cuprian Smithsonite with Dolomite - image 1

Cuprian Smithsonite with Dolomite

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Rarely does an individual pocket within a mine reach legendary status, but that is exactly what the Blue Pocket is at Tsumeb mine. The name of the pocket does, of course, come from the colour of the Cuprian Smithsonite crystals found within, but these belie the true rarity of Cuprian Smithsonite crystals. At Tsumeb, Cuprian Smithsonite is usually a green variety, with lime-green the typical shade, but discrete rhombic crystals are simply never seen there. Much rarer are the blue Cuprian Smithsonites. Worldwide, botryoidal forms dominate the pale blue Cuprian Smithsonites, the exception being the 'Blue Pocket' at Tsumeb mine. There, sharp rhombic crystals were found, but not only that, they are beautifully laid out on a pale cream coloured Dolomite matrix which enhances their magnificent appearance which includes ghostly internal colour zonation. This world-class miniature specimen from that famed pocket comes from the generations-old Weyand Collection which was held back in Tsumeb. The Cuprian Smithsonite crystals are everything one could wish for - sharp, undamaged rhombs, reaching 7 mm on edge, spaced out so that their amazing overall form can be enjoyed; mystical internal zoning with an iconic soft peppermint blue colour. For the die-hard Tsumeb collector this really is the holy-grail.