White cadmian Smithsonite shells as oriented growths on Smithsonite with green Tsumebite. Field of view 7 mm. This specimen illustrates the risk that a collector takes when one has a prized specimen of a supposed rare species analyzed. This specimen, with stiff price tag from an old collection, complete with old label, and mined in the 1920’s, was labeled as Otavite with Tsumebite. The outer shell contains perhaps 3% cadmium, but lots of zinc. The other Otavite in my collection remains un-analyzed pending a shot of additional courage. Robert Meyer specimen and photo.
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