Smithsonite, initially known as “calamine”, is a zinc carbonate that represented the main source of zinc until the 1880s. It is a mineral that can be found all over the world, and the rarity of its crystals make it a A coveted item for collectors. Their colors can be intense, but not enough to be widely used in the jewelry industry.
Smithsonite received its name from James Smithson (1754-1829), a British chemist and mineralogist who was the first to discover this mineral. On a chemical level, the smithsonite stone belongs to the calcite group, where nitrate and carbonate minerals also belong, in fact it is common to find it with calcite.
If you want to know much more about this curious gem, including its metaphysical properties, you have come to the right place.
Smithsonite stone properties
| smithsonite | Physical and chemical properties |
|---|---|
| group, class | Carbonates and Nitrates |
| Chemical formula | ZnCO3 |
| Color | Very varied. |
| Stripe | White |
| Gloss | Vitreous, pearly |
| Transparency | Translucent |
| crystalline system | trigonal |
| crystalline habit | Mamillary |
| Exfoliation | Very good |
| Fracture | irregular to subconchoidal |
| Mohs hardness | 4 – 4.5 |
| Tenacity | Brittle |
| Density | 4.43 g/cm3 |
| Solubility | Soluble in acids with effervescence |
| Fluorescence | can pale under UV light |
| Varieties | Cobaltosmithsonite (some Zn substituted for Co), Herrerite (some Zn substituted for Cu) |
It is a zinc carbonate mineral whose chemical formula is expressed in ZnCO3.Its hardness varies from 4 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, while its crystal system is trigonal. Its crystals are globular, stalactite and botryoidal, with certain massive and lenticular lumps that can occasionally appear.
Also, the crystals are rhombohedral, often rounded with curved blades. The growth pattern of the crystals can be triangular, and its shine is from silky to pearly.
Some of its colors are white, greyish, green, blue, dark grey, pink and, on UV exposure, it appears pale yellow. Although its main compound is zinc carbonate, zinc can be replaced by multiple elements that are responsible for the wide variety of colors of this precious stone.
These elements are iron, calcium and magnesium, and occasionally copper, cobalt and cadmium may be present.
collectors appreciate especially the blue-green specimens from New Mexico, and the yellow smithsonites from Namibia, specifically from the Tsumeb locality. Other stunning varieties of colors exist, including purple and apple green.
Meaning and metaphysical properties of the mineral smithsonite
Popular belief states that the smithsonite gem can help balance the endocrine and reproductive system of the human being It is considered a very useful stone for i Increase physical energy and regulate metabolism, in addition to improve the immune system and the thymus gland.
Other of its functions include clearing the paranasal sinuses, relieving digestive disorders, serving as a treatment against osteoporosis and restore muscle function.
Regarding the emotional plane, it is believed that smithsonite allows people to differentiate between true love (unconditional) and love with ego (ties). Also, wearing the stone as an amulet can facilitate kind expression, compassion for others, and stress relief.
In fact, the smithsonite gemstone drive away angry feelings towards others and increases leadership skills and promotes mental balance. On a mental level, the mineral feeds the mind and relaxes it for meditation.
Origin, formation and deposits of the smithsonite crystal.
Usually, the smithsonite gem is found as a secondary mineral in zinc oxidation zones. Likewise, it can be observed in deposits of a sedimentary nature and after the direct oxidation process of the blende or sphalerite.
It appears in botryoidals, stalactites and masses, mostly with drusy surfaces (covering of fine crystals). In general, it is not usually found in a crystallized state, whose shape is rhombohedral.
It is an element that abounds throughout the world, but its main concentration is located on the borders between Chile, Argentina and Bolivia. In the United States, the exploitation of this mineral is an important activity, as in Huehuetuango, Guatemala.
Other regions with important deposits are the Cantabrian mountain range, Vizcaya, Guipúzcoa, Navarra, Palencia, Albacete, Cartagena, Extremadura, Badajoz, Almería, Córdoba and Huelva (Spain).
Smithsonite Gem Uses
Today, the smithsonite gemstone used as zinc ore, as ornamental and collection stone.
Although gems can occur in multiple intense colors, these tones are still too soft to be considered attractive within the jewelry industry.
However, the high dispersion of the stone when properly faceted makes it a an excellent piece for fans of minerals.