Smithsonite var. Cuprian

Smithsonite was found throughout all Tsumeb, from the supergene surface to deep into the third oxidation zone.  It occurs in a dazzling array of colours due to traces of copper, cobalt, magnesium, or cadmium in the crystal lattice.  In this lovely example it is copper which provides the delicious light and crisp apple-green colouration to all its crystals, a variety named Cuprian Smithsonite.  The equant dodecahedral crystals average 4 to 6 mm across and are a uniform translucent light apple-green with a good glassy lustre.  The mainly hidden matrix is one of micro-granular, cream Dolomite stained reddish-chocolate brown.  An elegant and pretty, small miniature Cuprian Smithsonite.