SMITHSONITE SPECIMEN

Smithsonite is named in honor of James Smithson, the founder of the Smithsonian Institution.

ALL PHOTOS AND VIDEO WERE TAKEN IN NATURAL DAYLIGHT

MUCH MORE IMPRESSIVE THAN THE PHOTOS REVEAL

ORIGIN : LAVRIO MINES, ATTICA, GREECE

A wonderful example of white/silver Smithsonite on one side and transparent Fluorite on the other. Smithsonite is a fairly hard Zinc Carbonate and the pure form is white. The Smithsonite glows a dull pink color under long wave ultraviolet light (see pictures). Will be a delightful addition to any rock and mineral collection. Here is the opportunity to add this delightful specimen from a classic, ancient locality to your collection, do not miss this opportunity.

Please note : Fluorescence is a phenomenon that causes a mineral to "glow" within the visible spectrum when exposed to ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light is a form of electromagnetic radiation invisible to the human eye. The ultraviolet reaction is only visible with a special fluorescent torch / lamp with a filter that blocks white light but allows ultraviolet light to pass through. In order to achieve satisfactory results, do not use inexpensive 'UV' lights. The UV longwave torch I use to take the photos with is a Convoy S2+ Nichia UV 365nm LED Flashlight with filter lens. Keep in mind that not only wattage, filtration but also distance from the UV torch to specimen are significant factors for best results. Use protective UV-absorbing goggles, for extended viewing.

MINERAL SPECIMEN COMES FROM THE FAMOUS ANCIENT LAVRIO MINES. MOST OF THESE MINES ARE 2500 YEARS OLD AND HAVE A TOTAL LENGTH OF 50 KILOMETRES AND WERE BUILT ON SIX UNDERGROUND LEVELS. THE ENTIRE MINING SITE OF LAVRIO CONSTITUTES A NATURAL MUSUEM SINCE MORE THAN 400 MINERAL SPECIES CAN BE FOUND IN THE REGION. MOST OF THESE MINERALS ARE FOUND IN PRIVATE COLLECTIONS. LAVRIO HAS AROUSED THE INTEREST OF A LARGE NUMBER OF MINERALOGISTS AND AMATEUR COLLECTORS OWING TO BOTH THE VARIETY AND PARTICULAR BEAUTY OF ITS MINERAL SAMPLES. THE STORY OF HOW MINING BEGAN IN LAVRIO IS LOST IN THE MISTS OF EARLY HISTORY. MANY ANCIENT WRITERS AND ORATORS MENTION LAVRIO, INCLUDING AESCHYLUS, ARISTOTLE, DEMOSTHENES, LYSIAS, ARISTOPHANES AND STRABO. ACCORDING TO ARISTOTLE, IT WAS IN 483BC, WHEN THE RICH DEPOSITS OF MARONIA (PRESENT DAY KAMAREZA) WERE DISCOVERED.

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