Hemimorphite

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Hemimorphite

Description

A white ore composed of hydrous Zinc silicate. Hemimorphite is a minor ore of zinc that occurs in zinc mines worldwide with significant deposits in Siberia, Romania, Sardinia, Slovenia, Belgium (Vieille Montagne), Germany (Aachen), Poland (Silesia), England (Derbyshire), Mexico (Durango), and the U.S. (Montana, New Jersey, Colorado, Pennsylvania). Until the mid 18th century, the name calamine was used for both zinc silicate and zinc carbonate (smithsonite) minerals since they are similar in appearance and often occur in the same rock. Once they were recognized as two distinct minerals and assigned separate names, the name calamine was retained to designate their admixtures. Hemimorphite was also called electric calamine in the U.S.

Synonyms and Related Terms

calamine; electric calamine; hydrous zinc silicate; hydrated zinc silicate

Raman

Hemimorphiteitaly1.jpg


Other Properties

Soluble in mineral acids. Insoluble in water.

Orthorhombic system with thin tabular crystals or platy aggregates. Perfect cleavage in one direction.

Fracture = uneven to subconchoidal. Luster = vitreous to dull. Streak = colorless

Composition Zn4Si2O7(OH)2-H2O
Mohs Hardness 4.0 - 5.0
Density 3.4-3.5
Refractive Index 1.61; 1.62; 1.64

Additional Information

Mineralogy Database: Hemimorphite

Authority

  • Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "hemimorphite." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2004. Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service. 5 Dec. 2004 .
  • C.W.Chesterman, K.E.Lowe, Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals, Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1979

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