Smithsonite. Kelly Mine, Magdalena, Socorro Co., New Mexico, USA. ...

Description

Smithsonite
Kelly Mine, Magdalena, Socorro Co., New Mexico, USA

One of the keystones in this collection is this old and important, large, complete all-around specimen of classic "robin's-egg" blue Kelly Smithsonite - the most famous thing about this mine being COLOR and shape of these unique Smithsonites. This piece is complete 360 degrees, which is miraculous for something of this size and weight 4.98 kilograms (11 pounds). Remember that prior to the modern mineral market, most of this went for carving material or simply for lead ore, so very few large pieces were saved. The texture is interesting because it is not only the normal rounded botryoidal shapes but also has zones of what is called 'rice grain' Smithsonite crystals - forming a layer that coats the original botryoidal, rounded surface and gives texture to the specimen and contrast. The 'rice grain' layer atop is truly crystalline, although individually they are small, and this layer follows the surface of the rounded Smithsonite beneath. The result is very interesting - and perhaps unique in this size at least. It is a large, museum-worthy specimen that can grace any prominent collection. It is known to date to at least before 1960, as it changed hands several times since then and was most recently in the collection of fellow Texan Lyda Hill and previously in the James Zigras Collection. It came out of an old collection in Idaho, and that previous owner said he bought it in the 1960s and had gotten it from another older collection. This makes sense, as the piece is on rare matrix underneath, characteristic of the very oldest specimens from this mine which are now only seen in museums as modern specimens tend to be rinds, without the hard brown and white Quartz matrix underneath. This is a classic, top example of the variety.
Measurements: 8.66 x 5.91 x 4.72 inches (22.00 x 15.00 x 12.00 cm)

Provenance: The Collection of a Southern Gentleman, Ex. James Zigras Collection, Ex. Lyda Hill Collection

Estimated Gallery Pricing: $50,000

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