Refugio Mine, Choix, Choix Municipality, Sinaloa, Mexico

A very heavy specimen of pink Smithsonite. If you look at the specimen closely you can see that is almost entirely composed of Smithsonite.

Size: 2.5 x 1.4x 1.5 inches

Smithsonite also known as Zinc Spar is often found as a secondary mineral in the oxidation zone of zinc ore deposits. Smithsonite occurs in a wide variation of colors. Its typical globular habit and often vibrant colors make this a desirable mineral for collectors. Smithsonite is composed of zinc carbonate, but the zinc may be partially replaced with other elements. Those elements are responsible for the color variations. For example, copper often causes green or bright blue colors, and cobalt causes a pink to purple color. Cadmium makes Smithsonite yellow, and iron gives it a brown to reddish-brown color.