Greenockite in Smithsonite (RARE - classic locale) Bob Reynolds Coll.

Item Description

Greenockite, cadmium sulfide, is RARE from the ancient Lavrion Mining Dictrict. Rich yellow greenockite is included in all four sides of the vein of lustrous, translucent rich olive-green cuprian smithsonite. The bubby smithsonite botryoids at the top of the piece add much charcter to contacted sides of this VERY RARE combination. Ore extraction began in the 3rd millennuim B.C. and was abandoned during the Roman era. Modern mining began in 1865 and all the mines were closed by 1984. Formerly in the Hollis Page Collection and comes with a faded "Burminco" label. George Burnham made an extensive 13 month buying and collecting trip in 1950-51 to Europe, Africa, Madagascar and South America, where he probably obtained this specimen. Ex Bob Reynolds Collection, a well-known fossil and mineral expert and Curator of the San Bernardino County Museum. A choice combination rarity from this famed locale.