Willemite
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 NameWillemite
Chemical FormulaZn2SiO4
Mohs Hardness5.5
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagedistinct to good, basal {0001}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity4
Colorswhite, yellow, green, brown, reddish-brown, gray, black, fluorescent green
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalitySterling Hill, Ogdensburg, Franklin Mining District, Sussex County, New Jersey, USA
Mineral GroupSilicates
Useszinc ore, fluorescent mineral specimens, collector
Associated Mineralsfranklinite, zincite, calcite, rhodonite
Rarityuncommon
Description
This image displays a blocky specimen of willemite, intensely fluorescing a vibrant green under ultraviolet light, revealing its characteristic response to UV radiation. The surface appears somewhat rough and crystalline, typical of its natural form.
Geological Context
Willemite is a nesosilicate mineral that typically forms in highly metamorphosed zinc ore deposits, often found in association with other zinc minerals like franklinite and zincite in unique ore bodies. It can also occur as a secondary mineral in the oxidized zones of zinc deposits.
