Smithsonite (797)

specimen number:
8811734

location:
Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto, Namibia

description:

Lustrous rhombohedral crystals of smithsonite measuring to 1.0 cm in size covering the front of matrix. This has great luster and the crystals are slightly translucent. In good condition. The specimen was on 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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