Smithsonite var. Cuprian Smithsonite

A charming and rare example of a Cuprian Smithsonite stalactite from the Tsumeb mine in Namibia.  Smithsonite occurs abundantly throughout all levels of the mine and may adopt any of the four varieties with which we all so familiar (cuprian, cobaltoan, manganoan and cadmian).  However, to see a stalactite is a rare thing and something I have not come across before.  On close examination under a x5 loupe, the individual rounded rhombohedral crystals are glassy with a beautiful silky lustre and although clustered to form the overall structure, remain distinctly individual with clearly defined boundaries.  This copper-rich Smithsonite adopts a bluish nickel green from one direction graduating to a more yellowish chrome green down its opposite face.  A little beauty!  The Smithsonite is mounted standing vertically on a labelled acrylic base and is from a famous Tsumeb thumbnail collection.