Smithsonite xls; Tsumeb Mine, Otavi Mountains, Namibia; Ilse Baer collection; Min; unique piece
Smithsonite crystals from the Tsumeb Mine, Otavi Mountains, Namibia, Ilse Baer collection – miniature specimen as unique piece
This miniature specimen with Smithsonite crystals from the Tsumeb Mine, Otavi Mountains, Namibia originates from the Ilse Baer collection and was collected before 1972. The specimen displays a dense cluster of transparent to softly pink Smithsonite crystals forming a very aesthetic and evenly developed crystal surface.
The crystals are well formed and show the typical rhombohedral crystal shapes characteristic of Smithsonite. Their transparency and delicate pink color create an especially attractive appearance, while the light matrix provides a calm background for the crystal group. The specimen appears compact and balanced and represents the characteristic development of this mineral from the oxidized zone of this famous deposit.
Geology & Origin
The Tsumeb Mine in the Otavi Mountains of Namibia is one of the world’s most important localities for secondary carbonate and vanadate minerals. The deposit formed within a complex mineralized carbonate body that was strongly altered by hydrothermal processes and later oxidation. Smithsonite is one of the typical zinc carbonates of the oxidized zone and often forms well developed crystals as well as botryoidal or massive aggregates.
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) | embedded 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) | 0.080000 |
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