Smithsonite (var. Cadmian)

This specimen features a striking display of translucent champaigne-yellow smithsonite crystals richly covering the matrix. The sharp, curved rhombohedral forms exhibit silky, striated faces, while their lustre and internal gemminess enhance the attractive peachy-tan colouration. This cadmian variety of smithsonite is highly representative of Tsumeb, Namibia, where the combination of vibrant colour, sharp crystal form, and fine transparency makes smithsonite from this locality the global benchmark for the species.

The specimen comes from the collection of Robert Yeoman, an Irish-born collector who has lived in Toronto for most of his life. Yeoman is well-regarded for his exceptional Tsumeb suite, and pieces like this illustrate both the mineralogical diversity of the deposit and his discerning eye for quality.