Smithsonite var. Cadmian ex Kidwell

Item Description

This is a really good, old-time specimen of rich, yellow botryoidal Cadmian Smithsonite from the historic Monte Cristo zinc mine at Rush, Arkansas. The Monte Cristo was operated sporadically in the late 1800s and early 1900s with modest specimen recovery. The vibrant yellow Cadmian Smithsonite on this nice cabinet piece occurs as small, 1 to 3 mm, intergrown, scintillating botryoids that completely cover the interior of this vug or fracture filling. It is unlike the typical pseudomorphs of Dolomite crystals making for a rare and atypical Cadmian Smithsonite piece from here. These Smithsonites from the Monte Cristo are some of the more rare of USA Smithsonites. The display surface is in excellent condition! From the diverse and historic collection of one of the great field collectors and mineralogists of mid-1900s Texas, Albert Kidwell of Houston (1919-2008), after whom the mineral Kidwellite is named. Spectacular color in a case!