Willemite
Image: (<a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Hgrobe" title="User:Hgrobe">Hgrobe</a> 06:16, 26 April 2006 (UTC)) - credit: <i><b>Hannes Grobe/AWI</b></i> (CC BY-SA 2.5)
Mineral NameWillemite
Chemical FormulaZn2SiO4
Mohs Hardness5.5
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect on {1010}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity4
Colorscolorless, white, yellowish-green, apple-green, flesh-red, brown, gray, blue
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityFranklin and Sterling Hill, New Jersey, USA
Mineral Groupsilicates
Usesminor ore of zinc, collector's specimens
Associated Mineralszincite, franklinite, calcite, rhodonite
Rarityuncommon
Description
Willemite is a zinc silicate mineral renowned for its strong fluorescence, typically emitting a bright green glow under shortwave ultraviolet light. It can appear in various forms, from massive to granular or prismatic crystals.
Geological Context
This mineral commonly forms in highly metamorphosed zinc-rich ore deposits, often found alongside other zinc minerals within carbonate rocks. It can also occur in hydrothermal veins.
