Smithsonite (var. Cuprosmithsonite)

Name: Smithsonite (var. Cuprosmithsonite)
SKU: 33222-PT
Availability: InStock

33222-PT Category: Africa (Namibia, Tsumeb) - Various Species

Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region

Namibia

Dimensions: 3.0x4.5x1.5 cm

Largest crystal size: 3 mm

Price: CA

$155.00

Smithsonites found at Tsumeb are renowned for their diverse styles and colours. This specimen features a druse of transparent dark yellow-green Smithsonite crystals, with a combination of positive and negative rhombohedrons, including numerous offsets, all resting on an earlier generation of iron oxide-stained crystals. Sprays of yellow acicular mimetite crystals further enhance the aesthetic of the specimen, though some of the fragile micro-mimetites are damaged. The reverse side reveals micro drusy calcite crystals, along with aggregates of very light yellowish-green tabular microcrystals of an unidentified mineral. Tsumeb is famous for the variety of Smithsonite it produced, with the best copper-bearing green Smithsonites from this locality, widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest mineral sites.

Dr. Tarassoff acquired this specimen from Eugene E. Schlepp (Western Minerals) at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show in 1979. Collected during the prime years of Tsumeb’s Smithsonite production in the 1960s to early 1980s, this specimen represents the high-quality material that made Tsumeb legendary among mineral collectors.

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This specimen comes from the collection of Dr. Peter Tarassoff, a prominent figure in mineralogy, particularly known for his work at Mont Saint-Hilaire (MSH). His diligent collecting and examination efforts have led him to be the first to identify at least 35 species and discover 12 new species, not only at MSH but also at other alkaline localities. Dubbed the "Dean" of Mont Saint-Hilaire collectors, Peter was honoured with the naming of the new species petarasite in 1980. He has authored or co-authored numerous mineralogical articles and has been a member of the Mineralogical Association of Canada since 1964. Additionally, Peter has volunteered at the Redpath Museum for the past 21 years, where he was formally appointed the Honorary Curator of Mineralogy. In recognition of his significant contributions to mineralogy, Peter was awarded the 2017 Pinch Medal by the Mineralogical Association of Canada.

Peter's dedication to systematic collecting, curating his collection, and maintaining an archive of detailed historical and scientific information has greatly benefited the mineral sciences community both in Canada and globally. All specimens from this collection come with the original P. Tarassoff collection label.

Note: All prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD). International customers are charged in CAD, exchange rate is calculated automatically by your bank/paypal upon checkout.

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