Smithsonite (1781)

specimen number:
8811750

location:
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto, Namibia

description:
A superb sharp large lustrous crystal of smithsonite with a few small side crystals. This is in super condition. At one time the specimen was part of the famous smithsonite suite owned by Dawn and James Minette and comes with their data card. Before them, the specimen was owned by California collector Dave Eidahl. This is an outstanding large crystal for the species. This specimen was on public display at the 2026 Tucson Gem and Mineral show.

The Tsumeb Mine in northern Namibia was one of the worlds most famous polymetallic mines, known for producing copper, lead, and zinc from a large pipe like orebody hosted in dolomite. Mining began in the late 19th century and expanded through the 20th century with extensive underground workings and a major smelter that supported the local economy. The deposit became internationally renowned for its extraordinary mineral diversity, with hundreds of mineral species identified from the mine. Although primary mining ended in the 1990s, Tsumeb remains one of the most celebrated mineral localities in the world for both scientific study and mineral collecting.

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