Details
Lustrous, bubbly botryoidal crystal masses of varying sizes up to 2 inches across completely engulf the entire matrix of this striking and phenomenal Smithsonite specimen. The yellow hue is intense, with a glistening, waxy lustre. The coverage is thick and velvety across the entire front of the matrix, which consists of a stark, sculptural landscape of deep recesses from which these shimmering botryoids rise up dramatically from the surface.

534 x 514 x 3in. (14.5 x 13.5 x 7.5cm.)

Special notice
This lot will be removed to Christie’s Park Royal. Christie’s will inform you if the lot has been sent offsite. Our removal and storage of the lot is subject to the terms and conditions of storage which can be found at Christies.com/storage and our fees for storage are set out in the table below - these will apply whether the lot remains with Christie’s or is removed elsewhere. Please call Christie’s Client Service 24 hours in advance to book a collection time at Christie’s Park Royal. All collections from Christie’s Park Royal will be by pre-booked appointment only. Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 9060 Email: cscollectionsuk@christies.com. If the lot remains at Christie’s it will be available for collection on any working day 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Lots are not available for collection at weekends.
This lot has been imported from outside of the UK for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission regime. Import VAT is payable at 5% on the hammer price. VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer’s premium but will not be shown separately on our invoice.
Please note this lot is the property of a consumer. See H1 of the Conditions of Sale.
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Lot Essay

Sources of these rare, Cadmium-enriched (the cause of their yellow colouring) Smithsonites are few and far between in the world. Fine specimens have generally been limited to finds in Italy, Tsumeb and Mexico. But now China has brought to the landscape their own band of highly competitive and equally satisfying samples, of which this bright lemon-yellow beauty is a prime example.

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