Smithsonite on Dolomite

specimen number:
2322019

location:
Monte Cristo Mine, Rush, Arkansas, USA

description:

Classic specimen from Arkansas with rhombohedral crystals of dolomite measuring to 0.8 cm in size on matrix. Small crystals of smithsonite are scattered richly throughout. In great condition.

The Monte Cristo Mine, located in the Rush Historic District along Rush Creek in Marion County, Arkansas, is a prominent historic underground zinc mine. Mining history in the area began in the late nineteenth century after local discoveries of rich zinc deposits, leading to a major boom period that peaked around World War I before operations finally ceased in the mid-twentieth century. Geologically, the deposit is situated within the rugged Ozark Plateau, hosted in Paleozoic limestones and dolomites. Mineralization was localized by faulting and weathering processes that formed extensive solution cavities and adits, producing primary sphalerite as well as significant secondary enrichment zones famous among collectors for high-quality smithsonite, often referred to locally as turkey fat ore.

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