**Complimentary Specimens** As a gesture of appreciation, winning lots with a final hammer price above €50 will include one small additional mineral offered entirely free of charge. —————— Description: As if a fragment of tropical sea had evaporated under intense sunlight, risen into the atmosphere through vaporisation, and then gently recondensed into mineral form, this extraordinary hemimorphite from Wenshan seems less like a crystal and more like a suspended turquoise cloud captured in solid state. Its morphology is profoundly organic. Rather than angular geometry or rigid symmetry, the specimen unfolds in soft botryoidal domes that merge and overlap like condensed vapour masses drifting through a sky of mineral blue. The structure resembles a cloud formation frozen at the precise moment of expansion, each rounded protrusion the result of radial microcrystalline growth developed in zinc rich oxidation zones. There are no sharp planes, no defined edges, only a continuous landscape of swelling forms that create rhythm, movement and dimensional softness. The colour is a saturated turquoise blue of remarkable intensity. It sits between tropical lagoon waters and paraíba toned mineral hues, yet retains its own identity through a milky internal diffusion that softens the chromatic impact without diminishing saturation. The blue is neither flat nor chalky. It carries density and depth, enriched by subtle variations across domed surfaces and gently transitioning between slightly lighter and more concentrated zones. Under direct lighting, the surface reveals a delicate waxy to silky lustre, diffusing reflections rather than sharply returning them. The texture is finely microcrystalline, almost velvety in appearance, contributing to the cloud like aesthetic. In thinner peripheral areas, a faint translucency becomes perceptible under strong backlighting, subtly activating the interior without compromising the dominant opaque character. A small area of natural matrix remains visible along one upper margin, anchoring the piece in its geological origin and confirming its natural extraction context. The overall integrity is excellent, with no signs of polishing or artificial enhancement. The surface retains its authentic growth texture, preserving the mineral’s secondary formation identity. Wenshan, Yunnan, is internationally recognised for producing some of the most chromatically vivid hemimorphite in the modern mineral market. The region’s oxidised zinc deposits create optimal conditions for botryoidal growth and strong turquoise saturation. Specimens of this colour intensity and coherent morphology are especially sought after, as they combine aesthetic softness with unmistakable visual impact. This is not a crystal defined by edges. It is a mineral defined by atmosphere. A cloud made solid, shaped by geochemical processes and coloured with the saturated brilliance of tropical waters transformed into stone. Specifications: • Weight: 4.72 g • Weight in carats: 23.60 ct • Dimensions: 26 × 24 × 10 mm • Origin: Wenshan, Yunnan, China • Mineral species: Hemimorphite • Crystal system: Orthorhombic • Crystal habit: Botryoidal microcrystalline aggregate • Colour: Saturated turquoise blue • Colour distribution: Largely homogeneous with subtle tonal variation • Transparency: Predominantly opaque with minor edge translucency • Lustre: Waxy to silky • Matrix: Minor natural matrix presence • Condition: Natural, unpolished, untreated Notable Points: • Intense saturated turquoise blue colour characteristic of high quality Wenshan material • Distinct botryoidal cloud like morphology with rounded hemispherical domes • Organic sculptural form resembling condensed vapour or mineral cloud formation • Fine microcrystalline surface texture creating velvety visual softness • Strong colour stability across the specimen with no visible artificial enhancement • Subtle translucency at thinner margins under strong backlighting • Authentic secondary zinc mineral formed in oxidation zones • Recognised modern classic locality for vibrant hemimorphite • Compact yet visually expansive due to morphology and colour density • Surface integrity preserved without polishing • Natural matrix attachment confirming geological origin • Expressive aesthetic appeal combining softness and chromatic authority Collector’s Interest: For collectors of secondary minerals and zinc species, Wenshan hemimorphite occupies a privileged position in the contemporary market. What distinguishes this specimen is not merely locality, but the harmony between saturated turquoise colour and coherent cloud like morphology. Many hemimorphites display pale or uneven coloration; this piece presents strong chromatic identity combined with sculptural form. It offers both aesthetic pleasure and mineralogical authenticity, making it highly suitable for curated displays focused on colour diversity, botryoidal structures or Chinese modern classics. Lapidary Potential: Due to its botryoidal microcrystalline structure and opaque nature, this specimen is not suitable for faceting. Any cutting would destroy the cloud like morphology that defines its visual and structural identity. Its highest value lies in preservation as a natural sculptural mineral formation, where texture, colour and organic geometry remain intact and fully appreciable. ————— Shipping and Handling: All orders are shipped by Portuguese National Post. • Dispatch time: within 1 to 3 business days after payment confirmation to Catawiki • Transit time with CTT service: between 5 to 7 business days within europe and worldwide, depending on destination national post. • A tracking number is always provided Photography and transparency: All photographs are taken under controlled lighting conditions using a macro lens, carefully selected to present each specimen as accurately as possible. No filters, colour enhancement, or artificial saturation are applied. The lighting setup uses a calibrated 5500K light source, replicating neutral daylight to reveal natural tones, surface features, and internal characteristics. Under warmer or weaker indoor lighting, colours may appear slightly different, which is normal. The purpose of this photographic process is documentation and representation, not visual enhancement. Images are intended to reflect the specimen faithfully as it appears under balanced natural light conditions. Identification and ethics: All specimens offered are natural and described to the best of our knowledge, based on direct sourcing, professional experience, and information provided by trusted suppliers working at the origin. Every effort is made to ensure transparency and accuracy regarding identification, locality, and general characteristics, avoiding misleading statements about treatment, provenance, or nature. Customs and import taxes: Any customs duties, import fees, or local taxes applied by the destination country are entirely the responsibility of the winning bidder. These charges are not included in the auction price or shipping cost and are determined by the buyer’s local authorities. Guarantee and resolution: Customer satisfaction is important. In the unlikely event of an issue such as loss, damage, or discrepancy, please contact us promptly through Catawiki’s messaging system. Each case is handled individually and fairly, with appropriate solutions offered when justified. Appreciation and commitment: We sincerely thank you for your trust. Our work focuses on careful selection, accurate representation, and respectful presentation of mineral specimens with character and interest. Each piece is chosen for its individual qualities rather than speculative or financial considerations. We aim to provide a transparent, reliable, and consistent experience for collectors at all levels. With gratitude, GemPulse Minerals