Smithsonite, Congo

Palabanda quarries, M'fouti

Bonanza Dept.

Republic of the Congo 

A teal so intense it's difficult to reproduce in photos, this Smithsonite specimen is a league of its own when it comes to color. Richly saturated, this dynamic plate of botryoidal Smithsonite with its waxy luster still retains its matrix, a sandy brown that enhances the contrast of the mineral. The strong blue color is possibly due to inclusions of aurichalcite.

This electric blue is reminiscent of the famous Kelly mine in New Mexico, but far more attainable.