Smithsonite Gemstone
Smithsonite can be confused with chrysoprase hemimorphite jade and turquoise. Grape like clusters have pearly luster and are often slightly banded.
Smithsonite is a gemstone quality zinc carbonate znco3 sometimes referred to as zinc spar.
Smithsonite gemstone. Smithsonite effervesces in warm acids. More precisely smithson discovered that a zinc containing mineral known by the name calamine in the 18th century was in fact two separate minerals zinc carbonate and zinc silicate. Smithsonite is a variably colored trigonal mineral which only rarely is found in well formed crystals.
Although smithsonite is an important ore of zinc it is rarely found in well formed crystals. Well formed crystals are rare. During that time smithsonite was generally known as calamine.
Smithsonite gemstones by. Use this procedure on rough as a last resort for gem identification only. Most deposits of smithsonite are found in globular or botryoidal grape like clusters with only a few localities known to produce large pure crystals of smithsonite.
Its typical globular habit and often vibrant colors make this a desirable mineral for collectors. Smithsonite is named after the english scientist james smithson because he was the first person to identify the mineral in 1802. It has a mohs hardness of 4 5 and a specific gravity of 4 4 to 4 5.
Smithsonite is composed of zinc carbonate but the zinc may be partially replaced with other elements. The specific gravity for smithsonite is 4. Bonamite a misleading commercial term for an apple green gem variety of smithsonite resembling chrysoprase in color.
Please keep in mind that acid testing is a destructive test. The zinc carbonate was named hemimorphite and the zinc silicate. Smithsonite occurs as a secondary mineral in the weathering or oxidation zone of zinc bearing ore deposits.
It sometimes occurs as replacement bodies in carbonate rocks and as. We do this with marketing and advertising partners who may have their own information they. Frequently used as a jade imitation.
Smithsonite was named in 1832 in honor of english chemist and mineralogist james smithson who first identified the mineral in 1802. A common reaction. Bonamite is a trade name for cabochon cut massive pieces of smithsonite.
Found in kelly new mexico usa. The lavender or pink stones or a mixture of these colors will help to bring deep healing when used at the heart chakra or higher heart as they resonate feelings of compassion and forgiveness towards others. All colors of these stones will aid you to heal emotionally.
It usually occurs as earthy botryoidal masses. It can endanger both the gem and the tester. Smithsonite crystals have a soothing energy that restores feelings of inner peace relaxation and harmony.
Metalworkers and miners knew that some forms of calamine produced zinc but smithson s studies revealed that this mineral they called calamine was made up of two distinct minerals. Never conduct this test on a finished gem. Smithsonite occurs in a wide variation of colors.
The typical habit is as earthy botryoidal masses. Those elements are responsible for the color variations. These technologies are used for things like personalized ads.
Sacred turquoise a misleading term for light blue variety of smithsonite. Smithsonite is one of two zinc containing minerals discovered by british chemist and mineralogist james smithson in 1803.
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