HEMIMORPHITE

HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES: Hemimorphite was recognized as a mineral species in 1832 and was originally known as “calamine.”  In the 1930s, it received its current name, which consists of the root works “hemi-,” from the Greek hemi, or “half,” and “morph,” from the Greek morphe, meaning “form,” and literally means “half form,” alluding to its hemimorphic tendency to form asymmetrical opposite crystal terminations.  Although uncommon, hemimorphite occurs in small quantities at most oxidized zinc deposits.  Notable collecting localities are in China, Australia, Italy, England, and the United States (Montana, New Mexico, Idaho, New Mexico, New Jersey).

MINERALOGY, PROPERTIES, OCCURRENCE: Hemimorphite [basic hydrous zinc silicate, Zn₄Si₂O₇(OH)₂·H₂O], pronounced hemm-ee-MORF-ite, crystallizes in the orthorhombic system as flat, elongated, striated, bladed crystals or botryoidal crusts.  Crystals are hemimorphic, exhibiting different habits at opposite terminations.  It has a Mohs hardness of 4.5-5.0, perfect cleavage in one direction, and a specific gravity of 3.4-3.5.  Pure hemimorphite is colorless, but impurities impart subtle hues of pink, yellow, blue, and green.  As a secondary mineral, it forms from the weathering of sphalerite in the shallow, oxidation zones of zinc-rich deposits.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES, LORE, USES: Hemimorphite’s metaphysical properties include the ability to enhance self-esteem and self-respect, facilitate personal evolvement, protect against malice, and bring joy and creativity to life. Hemimorphite is a traditional component of the “calamine lotions” long used to treat skin conditions.  Hemimorphite was formerly an ore of zinc.

COLLECTORS’ INFORMATION: Hemimorphite is collected for its hemimorphic tendencies that produce unusual crystal shapes and the scarcity of good specimens.