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
Cleavageperfect on {1120}
Fractureconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity3.9
Colorspale pink, white, reddish
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityPotosí Mine (El Potosí Mine), Francisco Portillo, West Camp, Santa Eulalia District, Mexico
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesore of zinc, fluorescent mineral, collector
Associated Mineralshemimorphite, franklinite, zincite, calcite
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen displays numerous elongated, prismatic crystals of pale pink to white willemite, some with reddish staining, growing on a reddish-brown matrix that appears to be covered in tiny sparkling crystals.
Geological Context
Willemite is a secondary zinc mineral typically found in oxidized zones of zinc deposits, often formed by the alteration of sphalerite or other primary zinc minerals. It can also occur in metamorphosed zinc ore bodies.
