Smithsonite, Berg Aukas Mine, Grootfontein Constituency, Otjozondjupa Region, Namibia
Size: 18.0x15.2x8.7 cm
Species: Smithsonite
Locality: Berg Aukas Mine, Grootfontein Constituency, Otjozondjupa Region, Namibia
Description: A stunning botryoidal yellow smithsonite from Berg Aukas. This specimen was originally attributed to the Tsumeb Mine but at the time Tsumeb was operating Berg Aukas specimens were being sold to mineral dealers in that area. Since Tsumeb was more popular and commanded a higher price many miners would simply sell the material to dealers with the incorrect locality. After reviewing many many smithsonites that have come from both mines (I am a nerd and collect smithsonite) I concluded this piece was more likely Berg Aukas. The color is vivid and the specimen is damage free with the exception of the base where there is an edge where the specimen was extracted. The spherical aggregates of smithsonite give the specimen a very nice dimensionality. The specimen displays from 360 degrees, the smithsonite rolls over and equally coats the back. This is wonderful since many of these specimens were simply flat plates that are contacted on all edges and simply have 1 good face. A top notch specimen for any serious collection.
ID: CA103
Size: 18.0x15.2x8.7 cm
Species: Smithsonite
Locality: Berg Aukas Mine, Grootfontein Constituency, Otjozondjupa Region, Namibia
Description: A stunning botryoidal yellow smithsonite from Berg Aukas. This specimen was originally attributed to the Tsumeb Mine but at the time Tsumeb was operating Berg Aukas specimens were being sold to mineral dealers in that area. Since Tsumeb was more popular and commanded a higher price many miners would simply sell the material to dealers with the incorrect locality. After reviewing many many smithsonites that have come from both mines (I am a nerd and collect smithsonite) I concluded this piece was more likely Berg Aukas. The color is vivid and the specimen is damage free with the exception of the base where there is an edge where the specimen was extracted. The spherical aggregates of smithsonite give the specimen a very nice dimensionality. The specimen displays from 360 degrees, the smithsonite rolls over and equally coats the back. This is wonderful since many of these specimens were simply flat plates that are contacted on all edges and simply have 1 good face. A top notch specimen for any serious collection.
ID: CA103
Size: 18.0x15.2x8.7 cm
Species: Smithsonite
Locality: Berg Aukas Mine, Grootfontein Constituency, Otjozondjupa Region, Namibia
Description: A stunning botryoidal yellow smithsonite from Berg Aukas. This specimen was originally attributed to the Tsumeb Mine but at the time Tsumeb was operating Berg Aukas specimens were being sold to mineral dealers in that area. Since Tsumeb was more popular and commanded a higher price many miners would simply sell the material to dealers with the incorrect locality. After reviewing many many smithsonites that have come from both mines (I am a nerd and collect smithsonite) I concluded this piece was more likely Berg Aukas. The color is vivid and the specimen is damage free with the exception of the base where there is an edge where the specimen was extracted. The spherical aggregates of smithsonite give the specimen a very nice dimensionality. The specimen displays from 360 degrees, the smithsonite rolls over and equally coats the back. This is wonderful since many of these specimens were simply flat plates that are contacted on all edges and simply have 1 good face. A top notch specimen for any serious collection.
ID: CA103
