Smithsonite with Calcite (2223)

specimen number:
8811731

location:
Altenberg mine, Kelmis, Liege, Wallonia, Belgium

description:

An excellent example from this old classic locality with yellow translucent sprays of smithsonite crystals measuring to 1.4 cm in size across matrix with crystallized calcite. In great condition. The specimen was on display at the 2026 Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.

The Altenberg Mine in eastern Belgium, near the town of La Calamine in the Kelmis district, was an important lead and zinc mining operation within the Aachen Liege zinc district. Mining in the area dates back several centuries and focused on zinc and lead ores hosted in carbonate rocks, particularly smithsonite and sphalerite. The district became one of the earliest major sources of zinc in Europe and supported smelting and metal production during the 18th and 19th centuries. Although large scale mining eventually declined, the Altenberg Mine is historically significant and is also known among collectors for specimens of zinc minerals and associated species from this classic European mining region.

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