| Citation | Distinguished internationally for his penetrative and imaginative researches in crystallography, that began with crystal-structure determinations of tilleyite, paracelsian and melilite. He has investigated, in depth, major and fundamental mineral groups such as the zeolites, feldspathoids, alkali feldspars, plagioclase feldspars, pyroxenes, garnets and olivines. Establishment or refinement of crystal structures, experimental and theoretical studies related to structural states and paragenesis, and development or refinement of techniques in X-ray, electron-probe and ion-probe analysis, have all reflected the brilliance of Smith in inter-disciplinary fields related to physics, chemistry and geology. As Editor of the Powder Diffraction File for 10 years, he devoted considerable effort to the production of over 12, 000 data cards, basic to the needs of crystallographers. His expertise ranges from detailed crystallography to major petrogenetic concepts, the latter evidenced by his stimulating studies on ancient crustal rocks on Earth, the origin and evolution of the Moon, and the chemical nature of the solar-system planets. In addition to 190 published papers, he has produced wide-ranging reviews of Zeolite Minerals and of Lunar Mineralogy, and three volumes on Feldspar Minerals. |