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Smithsonite (Zinc Spar) is a mineral ore of zinc. Historically, smithsonite was identified with hemimorphite before it was realised that they were two distinct minerals. The two minerals are very similar in appearance and the term calamine has been used for both, leading to some confusion. Named after James Smithson, the founder of the Smithsonian Institution, smithsonite has a unique luster resembling melted wax.
ZnCO3 - Zinc carbonate
Class:
Carbonates
Group:
White, gray, green, blue, pink, purple
White
Vitreous to pearly
Transparent to translucent
4.4
4 - 5
Perfect
Conchoidal to uneven
Rhombohedral crystals, botryoidal and stalactitic aggregates, massive.
Green or blue
Frequency:
Uncommon
Origin:
Supergene, as a result of oxidation in the primary zinc ores, associated with other supergene phosphorus minerals.
Occurence:
Broken Hill, New South Wales, Austraila; Tsumeb, Namibia; Monte Poni, Sardinia, Italy; Sinaloa, Mexico
Application:
Minor ore of zinc and as a mineral specimen.

 
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