HISTORIC SMITHSONITE WITH WILLEMITE – TSUMEB, NAMIBIA
An exceptional collector's item from the world-famous Tsumeb Mine in Namibia!
This beautiful mineral specimen impresses with its numerous white to colorless, partially translucent smithsonite crystals, which sit densely intergrown on a high-contrast natural matrix.
The crystals display a fascinating geometric structure with numerous well-defined crystal faces. Their varying sizes and partially vitreous, shiny surfaces give the specimen a particularly attractive appearance.
Another special feature is its extraordinary natural growth form: with a little imagination, the entire specimen resembles a small seal with its head raised or a dog lying down.
A charming detail that makes this unique natural piece unmistakable!
ORIGIN & MINERALOGY
• Minerals: Smithsonite with willemite (according to original label)
• Locality: Tsumeb Mine, Otavi Mountains, Namibia
• Size: approx. 43 × 12 × 15 mm
• Color: White to colorless, partially translucent
• Crystal form: Densely intergrown, geometrically formed crystals
• Treatment: Natural mineral specimen
• Historical origin: Pre-1972, according to original label
• Provenance: Former Ilse Baer collection
• Special feature: Historic collector's item with documented provenance
WHAT MAKES SMITHSONITE SPECIAL?
Smithsonite is a natural zinc carbonate known for its diverse colors and extraordinary crystal forms.
Particularly beautiful specimens exhibit well-developed rhombohedral crystals with a vitreous to pearly luster.
Willemite is a zinc silicate that is also among the characteristic minerals of the Tsumeb Mine.
The combination of both minerals makes this specimen an interesting piece for collectors of classic Tsumeb minerals.
HISTORIC COLLECTOR'S ITEM – PRE-1972
The documented provenance of this specimen is particularly interesting.
The existing original label contains the following information:
Smithsonite
Willemite
Tsumeb Mine, Otavi Mountains, Namibia
Pre-1972
ex Ilse Baer Coll.
The designation "ex Ilse Baer Coll." indicates that the piece comes from the former mineral collection of Ilse Baer.
The note "pre-1972" documents the historical origin of the specimen. The exact date of discovery is unknown.
The original label is, of course, included.
THE FAMOUS TSUMEB MINE
The Tsumeb Mine in Namibia is one of the most significant historical mineral localities in the world.
It is known for its exceptional variety of mineral species and its impressive crystal specimens.
The mine closed in 1996. Historical specimens with preserved original labels and documented collection provenance are therefore of particular interest to specialized mineral collectors.
A UNIQUE NATURAL PIECE
You will receive exactly the pictured smithsonite-willemite specimen from the historic Tsumeb Mine, measuring 43 × 12 × 15 mm.
The densely intergrown crystals, the extraordinary natural form, and the documented provenance from an older mineral collection make this specimen a special unique piece.
With a little imagination, you can even recognize a small seal or a dog in its shape!
The historic original label is included.
Delivery will be carefully and securely packaged.
