Smithsonite
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)
Mineral NameSmithsonite
Chemical FormulaZnCO3
Mohs Hardness4.5
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect rhombohedral {1011}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity4.4
Colorsblue-green, green
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityKelly Mine, Magdalena District, Socorro County, New Mexico
Mineral GroupCarbonates
Usescollector, minor ore of zinc
Associated Mineralshemimorphite, cerussite, anglesite, malachite, azurite
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen is a beautiful botryoidal mass of blue-green smithsonite, displaying a characteristic bubbly texture and a waxy to vitreous luster.
Geological Context
Smithsonite is a secondary mineral formed in the oxidized zones of zinc-rich ore deposits, typically occurring in limestone or dolomite host rocks where it results from the alteration of primary zinc sulfides like sphalerite.
