Smithsonite var. Cadmian ex Kidwell

Item Description

Here is an old-time specimen of yellow Cadmian Smithsonite pseudomorphing saddle-shaped Dolomite crystals from the historic Monte Cristo zinc mine at Rush, Arkansas. The Monte Cristo was operated sporadically in the late 1800s and early 1900s and produced only a moderate amount of quality specimens before intrepid field collectors went back in, starting in the mid-1900s (we have seen videos of them wading through chest-high water to access old mining tunnels). The intense yellow Cadmian Smithsonite on this small cabinet piece is replacing the Dolomite and also formed tiny, but distinct, 1 mm, bright yellow Cadmian Smithsonite crystals between, and locally on, the pseudomorphs themselves (sometimes called "rice grain" crystals and quite rare for this location!). The pseudomorphs range in size from 3 to 9 mm across and preserve the distinctive curvy shape of the former Dolomite crystals. Partial pseudomorphs of Smithsonite after Dolomite can be seen along the edges of the piece. These Smithsonites from the Monte Cristo Mine represent some of the most rare of US Smithsonites and this is a choice, colorful specimen.