Greenockite-included Smithsonite (ex. DeLinde coll.)

Item Description

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This specimen features uncommonly bright, saturated yellow greenockite-included smithsonite crystals on a bed of tiny quartz crystals. Commonly known as 'turkey fat,' smithsonite specimens from this locality are typically replacements of dolomite, getting their yellow color from the greenockite inclusions. Greenockite is a rare cadmium bearing metal sulfide, so the yellow Arkansas smithsonites are often labeled smimply as "cadmian smithsonites" although the color is due to an actual mineral inclusion, not simply the element cadmium alone. The smithsonites, reaching several mm across each, have a bright luster, and light bounces along the waxy surface. Ex. Henry DeLinde collection. Henry was an avid collector of Arkansas minerals. In 1973, he became a founding member of the Coon Creek Association, along with Art Smith and Al Kidwell. In their 20 year history, they discovered 7 minerals new to Arkansas and 5 minerals new to the world. In 1987, Henry had “Delindeite”, a new species of mineral named in his honor. A superb miniature smithsonite, with intense color.