Cadmian Smithsonite

NOTE: The yellow Turkey Fat Ore style Smithsonites previously described as "Cadmian Smithsonite" are actually just a slightly impure Smithsonite, possibly containing a small % of one or more cadmium sulfide minerals.

This variety was first described from Segen Gottes Mine, Wiesloch, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

There was an unfortunate habit amongst many collectors and dealers to assume that any yellow smithsonite was "cadmian smithsonite" even where no chemical analysis was made.

True CdCO₃, or Otavite, is naturally white, so cannot colour Smithsonite yellow. True Cadmian Smithsonites should therefore be white, and this name is misleading and should not be used.

Specimens labelled "Cadmian Smithsonite" should be relabeled as "Smithsonite"