Hemimorphite
Image: John Sobolewski (JSS) (CC BY 3.0)
Mineral NameHemimorphite
Chemical FormulaZn4Si2O7(OH)2·H2O
Mohs Hardness4.5
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
CleavagePerfect on {110}, good on {101}
Fractureuneven/conchoidal
Specific Gravity3.45
Colorswhite, colorless, pale blue, green, yellow, brown
Transparencytransparent/translucent
Type LocalityLaochang ore field (Laochang Mine), Eastern Sub-district, Gejiu Sn-polymetallic ore field, Gejiu Co., Honghe Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesminor ore of zinc, collector's specimens, gemstone
Associated Mineralssmithsonite, cerussite, anglesite, galena, sphalerite, limonite, calcite
Raritycommon
Description
This specimen is a 3.4 by 2.5 cm sky blue botryoidal mass, exhibiting the characteristic rounded, bubbly habit of Hemimorphite. Its delicate color and form make it a visually appealing mineral.
Geological Context
Hemimorphite is a secondary mineral typically found in the oxidized zones of zinc-lead ore deposits, forming from the alteration of primary zinc sulfides like sphalerite. It often occurs in association with other secondary zinc minerals in these environments.
