Smithsonite with Hematite, Willemite (1005)

specimen number:
8811758

location:
Berg Aukas, Grootfontein, Otjozondjupa, Namibia

description:

Exceptionally large sharp rhombohedral crystals of smithsonite measuring to 3.3 cm in size, these brown in color due to coatings of hematite and set nicely up on matrix. Micro crystals of willemite are present throughout. This is in very good condition with just minimal cleaving present as shown in the video. Really impressive crystal size for the species. This specimen was on public display at the 2026 Tucson Gem and Mineral show.

The Berg Aukas Mine in northern Namibia is a historic mining locality known for lead and vanadium rich mineral deposits hosted in dolomite. Mining operations during the 20th century extracted lead ore and produced minerals such as galena along with vanadium minerals. The deposit is also famous among mineral collectors because it produced great examples of smithsonite and descloizite, among other species. Although the mine is no longer active, it remains an important locality for unusual mineral species from Namibia.

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