Hemimorphite mineral is a hydrated zinc hydroxysilicate. It is characterized by presenting long crystals, which are arranged in radial crusts. Generally, it is white, although intense blue and green tones can also be seen.
One of the most important characteristics of the hemimorphite is that when it is heated it acquires the property of being piezoelectric, that is, it produces electricity when subjected to pressure. This property is very similar to transparent quartz.
The name it receives is due to hemimorphic development that originates in its crystals. As a consequence, each of them ends up in uneven faces in the crystallization process.
mineralogical characteristics
| hemimorphite | Properties and characteristics |
|---|---|
| Category | silicates, sorosilicates |
| Chemical formula | Zn4Si2O7(OH)2 H2O |
| Color | White, blue or greenish |
| Stripe | White |
| Gloss | Vitreous |
| Transparency | transparent to translucent |
| crystalline system | orthorhombic |
| crystalline habit | mammellar, massive, or stalactitic |
| Fracture | conchoidal |
| Mohs hardness | 5 |
| Density | 3.45 gr/cm3 |
| Solubility | Soluble in strong acids |
| Fluorescence | some variety fluoresces in UV light |
| electrical properties | Piezoelectric when heated |
This mineral is unique and has different crystal finishes. It has two different patterns, the first being a correctly crystallized form. The other pattern is a microcrystalline globular form. They look like two completely different stones, but the truth is that it is the same mineral.
Their colors can vary between white, colorless, yellow, beige, blue, brown, and on rare occasions green and yellow. The beta is colorless, the hardness level on the Mohs scale of 4.5 to 5 and the transparency becomes translucent. It is part of the system orthorhombic crystalline, with a vitreous adamantine luster.
Its crystals are flattened, tabular and prismatic, usually sharp and grouped in platinum. They are also found in needle-like, radiating, and fan-shaped clusters.
Deposits and genesis of hemimorphite
Hemimorphite is a very important mineral in the exploration of zinc deposits because it usually appears formed in rocks surrounding these deposits.
In this case the primary zinc minerals, such as sphalerite, are hydrothermally altered due to the penetration of surface waters and form hemimorphite as a secondary mineral.
Some hemimorphite also forms where zinc-bearing rocks have undergone metasomatism.
Hemimorphite is a mineral found in many parts of the world, although the vast majority in the form of micro crystals of the mineral. In reality, complete specimens have only been seen in Belgium, France, Italy, Austria and Greece. Currently, China has been outstandingly producing the neon blue colored mineral.
Now, the most prolific country for the production of this stone is Mexico especially in the mine The Ojuela.
Hemimorphite stone meaning
This crystal is linked to the vibration and the spiritual growth of the human being It is said that it favors the reception of light in the body, increasing happiness and enhancing the emotional state of mind. Obviously, these affirmations are not verified by the experts in the scientific field.
In any case, it is related to the expansion of psychic powers, the channeling of gifts and the mediumship.
Hemimorphite Gem Properties
It is a very popular stone for its supposed powers of ascension, managing to establish a relationship with spiritual realms. Communication with those regions would increase due to their high vibration. Therefore, many people search for the rock in the field of meditation.
Esoteric experts mention that it resonates strongly in all the chakras, favoring their cleansing.
Hemimorphite Uses
As you have noticed, its applications at the esoteric and meditation level are very common. It is a sought after stone amulet and talisman by people who have beliefs in their powers. However, the most important thing is that it is used to make beautiful jewelry.
Pendants, rings, bracelets and decorative objects are only some very attractive pieces built with this mineral. Obviously, it also becomes one of the precious and semi-precious stones most coveted by collectors.
In short, a very attractive, strange and peculiar specimen.