SMITHSONITE. Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia. ...

Description

SMITHSONITE
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia

During many years that the Tsumeb Mine was operating, it was responsible for an absolute deluge of different minerals in a variety of colors and crystal habits. Many of these Tsumeb treasures are unequalled anywhere on the planet. Others are merely superb for their type. Smithsonite from Tsumeb appears in a rainbow of colors: blue, green, colorless, golden and the pink seen here. In addition to the color variation, this Smithsonite exhibits very large and well-formed crystals up to 1.7 cm across covering large areas of the gray host limestone in shining profusion. All of the light pink rhombic crystals are lustrous and free from damage. At 5.5 inches across, this is a significant large cabinet specimen - especially since the mine is filled with water to within 100 feet of the surface. Any further production is strictly in the realm of dreams. On the bottom there is a label with "Sm1 Tsumeb" but there is no data as to whose collection this designation is associated with.
Overall measurements: 5.5 x 4 x 2 inches (14 x 10.2 x 5.1 cm).

Provenance: R.A.Kosnar [Hoppel # D0139]

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