Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
orthorhombicuncommonSorosilicates
Hemimorphite
Zn₄Si₂O₇(OH)₂·H₂O
This specimen features delicate, radiating clusters of light blue to greenish-blue hemimorphite crystals, forming botryoidal or drusy aggregates on a matrix.
Hemimorphite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
4.5Crystal System
orthorhombicLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
perfect on {110}, good on {001}Fracture
conchoidal to unevenSpecific Gravity
3.4Colors
light blue, white, colorless, light green, brown, yellowTransparency
transparent to translucentType Locality
Ojuela Mine, Mapimí, Municipio de Mapimí, Durango, MexicoMineral Group
SorosilicatesUses
ore of zinc, collector's specimens, minor gemstoneAssociated Minerals
smithsonite, cerussite, anglesite, galena, sphalerite, calcite, limoniteRarity
uncommonGeological Context
Hemimorphite is a secondary mineral typically found in the oxidized zones of zinc deposits, forming from the alteration of primary zinc minerals like sphalerite. It often occurs in limestone or dolomite host rocks.
