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Smithsonite

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PDM860182

Smithsonite

Classic Locality

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Description
Locality: 
Kipushi Mine, Haut-Katanga, DR Congo
Class: 
Crystals on Matrix
Size Range: 
Miniature (4.5-7 cm)
Size: 
5.7 × 4.9 × 3.7 cm
Weight: 
166.00gr
Description

Typical old time smithsonite from the Kipushi mine, rarely seen nowadays in the market, that were found at the upper levels of the mine during the initial period of the exploitation, usually before 1950. It features dense greenish yellow layered smithsonite with bornite at the rear. This type of compacted material was highly appreciated and sought-after to create delicate carved figures because of the special colour and pearly reflexes. Moreover, the black metallic matrix is rich in cavities that are richly filled by spiky groups of smithsonite, that are very rare for kipushi specimens.

Found before 1960, it is from the stock of Robert Verdoodt, who was working in the laboratories of Union Minière du Haut-Katanga and evacuated to Belgium after the beginning of the Congo crisis that very year.

Mineral Data
What's on the rock

Smithsonite

Formula: 
ZnCO3
Strunz: 
5.AB.05
Hardness: 
4.0 - 4.5
Streak: 
White

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