Smithsonite xls; Tsumeb Mine, Otavi Mountains, Namibia; Ilse Baer collection; Cab; unique piece
Smithsonite crystals from the Tsumeb Mine, Otavi Mountains, Namibia, Ilse Baer collection – cabinet specimen as unique piece
This cabinet specimen displays densely intergrown Smithsonite crystals in delicate pink to salmon-colored hues. The crystals are clearly recognizable, predominantly blocky to slightly rhombohedral in shape, and cover almost the entire surface of the specimen. Subtle transparency in parts of the crystals combined with the uniform coloration creates a very harmonious and visually appealing appearance. The strong color and dense crystal coverage are characteristic of high-quality material from Tsumeb.
Geology & Origin
The Tsumeb Mine in the Otavi Mountains, Namibia, is world-renowned for its extraordinary diversity of secondary minerals. Smithsonite forms here within the oxidation zone as a zinc carbonate, often associated with copper- and lead-bearing ores. The pink varieties are among the most sought-after Smithsonites from Tsumeb and result from complex geochemical processes under oxidizing conditions. Specimens from the Ilse Baer collection are additionally regarded as historically and scientifically significant.
This table is for general information and orientation, although the sizes of the stones may vary. In addition, this specification is handled differently from region to region.
| Sizes | Description | approx. Sizes in mm/cm | approx. Sizes in INCH | |
| Capsule | Capsule | 0.1–0.5 mm in a transparent hard capsule (approx. 1 cm) | capsule contents 0.1–0.5 mm | capsule contents 0.004–0.02 in |
| TN/mm | Micromount (TN = Thumbnail) | everything fitting in a TN Perky box or a MM box of approx. 1 in | approx. 0.5–2.5 cm | max. 1 in |
| Min | Miniature specimen | will not fit a TN or MM box anymore | approx. 2.5–5 cm | approx. 0.2–1.0 in |
| Scab | small cabinet specimen | approx. one-third to half a hand size | approx. 5–9 cm | approx. 1.0–2.0 in |
| Cab | cabinet specimen | full hand size | approx. 9–15 cm | approx. 2.0–3.5 in |
| large Cab | large cabinet specimen | approx. two hand sizes | approx. 15–30 cm | approx. 3.5–6.0 in |
| very large Cab | very large cabinet specimen | everything larger, no upper limit |
Abbreviations commonly used in mineralogy.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
| xl | single crystal, possible with matrix |
| xls | noticeable crystals |
| (xl) | embedded or damaged |
| (xls) | embeddet or damaged |
| MASS | massive and/or amorphous pieces |
| TYP | type locality of the original description |
| SWUV | shortwave-UV-reaction |
| UV | ultraviolet reaction |
| SC | self-collected |
| U | unique (single unique piece) |
Usage Instructions
This product is ideal as a collector's item, decorative element, teaching material, or for scientific and exhibition purposes.
Legal Notices
Safety
We accept no liability for damages resulting from improper and/or non-recommended use. Please carefully assess the suitability of the product before any alternative use.
Responsible Provider
Mikon Mineralienkontor GmbH
Steinslieth 11
D-37130 Gleichen OT Klein Lengden
Email: info@mikon-online.com
| shipment-weight, NOT netto weight (kg) | 0.500000 |
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