Smithsonite

specimen number:
2262170

location:
Berg Aukas Mine, Grootfontein, Otjozondjupa, Namibia

description:
A very choice example for the species from this Namibian locality, the specimen shows very large lustrous almost transparent rhombohedral crystals of smithsonite measuring to 2.5 cm in size across the front of matrix. Some cleaving present, overall this is in good condition. The specimen comes with a previous data card as shown at the end of the video and dates to the mid 1960s.

The Berg Aukas Mine, located near Grootfontein in the Otavi Mountainland of northern Namibia, is internationally famous for producing some of the world's finest and most diverse smithsonite specimens. Geologically, the deposit is a Mississippi Valley-Type (MVT) or Tsumeb-type polymetallic ore body hosted within Neoproterozoic dolostones of the Otavi Group, where deep oxidation of primary zinc-lead-vanadium sulfides created a spectacular array of secondary minerals. Smithsonite from this locality is highly prized for its variety of habits, including large, lustrous rhombohedral crystals and botryoidal masses in colors ranging from colorless and white to vivid apple-green (cuprian) and even rare yellow or pink hues. Historically, mining and quarrying at Berg Aukas began in the early 20th century following the discovery of vanadium mineralization, with the most significant period of industrial underground operations occurring between 1958 and 1978 under the South West Africa Company (SWACO). Although the mine was a major global producer of vanadium, lead, and zinc during its peak, it was eventually closed in 1978 due to economic factors and technical challenges, with only sporadic reclamation of tailings or small-scale specimen recovery occurring since then.

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