Zinc smelter, Swietoch?owice, Katowice, Upper Silesia, Poland

The origin of these Zincite crystals is a bit of a mystery. They are decidedly not a natural forming mineral. There is an entire thread regarding their origin on mindat (see http://www.mindat.org/mesg-55-59284.html). The only thing I can say is they are not as readily available as they used to be. I remember about 15 years ago, a young European couple at the Denver show in the wholesale section who had an entire roomful. At that time, there were quantities available with other wholesalers. These days, I see a specimen at shows here and there and invariably they are from collections, just as this one is. That being said, they are all expensive, especially ones with good red color. This specimen has one large crystal which is a deep reddish orange color. The smaller crystals are a lighter orange color. This specimen is in good condition. There are some small crystals on the back side of the termination of the main crystal. There is minor wear on these small crystals and small fractures within the main crystal at the base where these main crystals are attached.

From the Vivian Randall collection

5.6 x 2.2 x 1.4 cm

Sold Specimen retained as part of the Minerals Sold But Not Forgotten Galleries