Hemimorphite got its name because its crystals develop in halves, and each half is different from the other.

Chemical Formula: Zn4Si2O7(OH)2-H2O
Class: Silicates – Sorocilicates
Hardness: 4.5-5
Coloration: Colorless, white, yellow, blue or green

How to identify it/Unique Characteristics or Properties: Hemimorphite got its name because its crystals develop in halves, and each half is different from the other. It is formed similar to smithsonite, and often in the same localities, and sharing the same color. In fact, the two minerals often look so much alike that people thought they were one mineral (our examples are very distinctive, but not all are). Along with smithsonite, hemimorphite was called calamine for many years because of this confusion.

Where to find it in…

The Northwest: Colorado
Other: Mexico, Algeria, England, Namibia, Germany, Australia, Russia
Past Uses: It used to be used as an ore for zinc. It was also used to make bronze with copper, and in calamine lotion because of its zinc content.
How it was Made: Zinc bearing minerals are altered by weathering/
Interesting Facts: Hemimorphite is fluorescent, and glows a pale orange.