Mineral: Smithsonite
Locality: Berg Aukas, Grootfontein District, Otjozondjupa Region, Namibia
Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 9 cm / main crystal: 5.5 cm.

Description: Mass: 758 g MIM number: 2226 The main crystal of this sample, considered very large for this species, is a beautiful translucent light amber color. Its surface is composed of abundant vicinal faces (the position of which varies very little from that of a fundamental plane of the form). The major rhombohedral face is aesthetically positioned (facing the front of the specimen) and shows a subtle four-petaled rosette pattern. The intersection of the rhombohedral faces reveal a subparallel offset of crystals, producing the satiny reflectivity of the vicinal faces. The sides and back of the specimen have similar large smithsonite crystals. Photographer: AINU / Augustin de Valence

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