Hemimorphite
A variety of Minerals
What is Hemimorphite?
Most of the time, finding a piece of hemimorphite will garner nothing but a dull beige rock, but occasionally this mineral will present with dazzling azure crystals. Sometimes a single sample will showcase the entire spectrum of colors hemimorphite has to offer, ranging from that beige to up to bright blue. Polished pieces with that coloration are highly collectible among mineral enthusiasts.
Uses & Applications
Hemimorphite is an important ore of zinc, which is an essential metal used to produce batteries, paint, cosmetics, inks, soaps, textiles, rubber, plastics, and much more. This beautiful mineral is also cut into gemstones for jewelry and rare mineral collections.
Healing Properties
Hemimorphite is considered a stone of transformation because it helps one to overcome their own sorrows while changing those feelings into empathy for others. When used during meditation, it is often placed on the Heart, Throat, and Third Eye chakras to bring positive energy to those areas. This practice is said to enhance communication and allow its users to achieve greater joy and appreciation of life.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.614-1.636
- Birefringence
- 0.022
- Pleochroism
- None
- Optical Character
- Biaxial positive
- Dispersion
- 0.02
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Hemimorphite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Hemimorphite Localities Map
See where Hemimorphite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Associated Chakras
Key Characteristics
Formation of Hemimorphite
Hemimorphite most frequently occurs as the product of the oxidation of the upper parts of sphalerite bearing ore bodies, accompanied by other secondary minerals which form the so-called iron cap or gossan. Hemimorphite is an important ore of zinc and contains up to 54.2% of the metal, together with silicon, oxygen and hydrogen. The crystals are blunt at one end and sharp at the other. The regions on the Belgian-German border are well known for their deposits of hemimorphite of metasomatic origin, especially Vieille Montagne in Belgium and Aachen in Germany. Other deposits are in Tarnowskie Góry area in Upper Silesia, Poland; near Phoenixville, Pennsylvania; the Missouri lead-zinc district; Elkhorn, Montana; Leadville, Colorado; and Organ Mountains, New Mexico in the United States; and in several localities in North Africa. Further hemimorphite occurrences are the Padaeng deposit near Mae Sod in western Thailand; Sardinia; Nerchinsk, Siberia; Cave del Predil, Italy; Bleiberg, Carinthia, Austria; Matlock, Derbyshire, England.
More Images
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Colorless, white, pale blue, pale green, gray, brown
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 4.5 - 5
- Density
- 3.484 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly, Greasy, Vitreous, Silky, Adamantine
- Crystal System
- Orthorhombic
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Zn4Si2O7(OH)2 · H2O
- Elements
- H, O, Si, Zn
Also Known As
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Hemimorphite FAQs
How do I identify Hemimorphite?
Hemimorphite can be identified by its hardness of 4.5 - 5 on the Mohs scale, Colorless color, Pearly, Greasy, Vitreous, Silky, Adamantine luster, Orthorhombic crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Hemimorphite?
Hemimorphite typically appears in Colorless, white, pale blue, pale green, gray, brown. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Hemimorphite?
Hemimorphite has a hardness of 4.5 - 5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the formation of hemimorphite of Hemimorphite?
Hemimorphite most frequently occurs as the product of the oxidation of the upper parts of sphalerite bearing ore bodies, accompanied by other secondary minerals which form the so-called iron cap or gossan. Hemimorphite is an important ore of zinc and contains up to 54.2% of the metal, together with silicon, oxygen and hydrogen. The crystals are blunt at one end and sharp at the other. The regions on the Belgian-German border are well known for their deposits of hemimorphite of metasomatic origin, especially Vieille Montagne in Belgium and Aachen in Germany. Other deposits are in Tarnowskie Góry area in Upper Silesia, Poland; near Phoenixville, Pennsylvania; the Missouri lead-zinc district; Elkhorn, Montana; Leadville, Colorado; and Organ Mountains, New Mexico in the United States; and in several localities in North Africa. Further hemimorphite occurrences are the Padaeng deposit near Mae Sod in western Thailand; Sardinia; Nerchinsk, Siberia; Cave del Predil, Italy; Bleiberg, Carinthia, Austria; Matlock, Derbyshire, England.
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