Smithsonite

TSNB628
Specimen
Exhibit 1. Smithsonite; 89 mm.
Exhibit 1. Smithsonite; 89 mm.
Image Credit: Malcolm Southwood
Exhibit 2. Analytical data; smithsonite.
Exhibit 2. Analytical data; smithsonite.
Image Credit: Malcolm Southwood
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Specimen Title

Smithsonite

Associated Minerals

undetermined (?)

Principal Mineral

Smithsonite

Size

Cabinet; 89mm

Location in the Mine

Undetermined

Collection

Geoscience Australia; R35751

Entry Number

Specimen; TSNB628

Associated Minerals

undetermined (?)

Description

Sharp, rhombohedral crystals of orange-yellow smithsonite (to 4 mm), intergrown and forming a thick crust over massive sulphide. A little matrix material with undetermined copper secondaries adheres to the display surface. 

The specimen has been analysed by EMPA-WDS and LA-ICP-MS as part of a study of the causes of colour in smithsonite (Weall 2023; Southwood et al. 2025). They hypothesised that the orange-yellow colouration is due to the partial oxidation of ferrous iron in solid solution in the smithsonite.  Analytical data is presented in Exhibit 2.