Smithsonite
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Mineral NameSmithsonite
Chemical FormulaZnCO3
Mohs Hardness4
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect rhombohedral
Fractureuneven to subconchoidal
Specific Gravity4.35
Colorswhite, pale yellow, cream
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityWorldwide (e.g., Kelly Mine, New Mexico, USA; Tsumeb, Namibia)
Mineral GroupCarbonates
Usesore of zinc, collector's mineral
Associated Mineralssphalerite, galena, calcite, hemimorphite
Rarityuncommon
Description
A pale yellowish-white mineral forming distinctive botryoidal (grape-like) masses, with a somewhat waxy luster, displayed on a rock matrix.
Geological Context
Smithsonite is a secondary mineral found in the oxidized zone of zinc-bearing ore deposits, typically forming from the alteration of sphalerite in carbonate-rich environments.
