HEMIMORPHITE

Hemimorphite can be found all around the world predominantly surrounding zinc mines.

- RUSS KANIUTH

For many years hemimorphite and smithsonite were believed to be one in the same mineral. At that time, it was called calamine, the very same that is used as a household lotion for sunburns.

HEMIMORPHITE COLORS & USES

Most hemimorphite specimens are collector's pieces, usually small drusy clusters in a pocket of its host stone. Hemimorphite also can be found in facet gem grade and lapidary grade material that can be cut into cabochons.

Hemimorphite has a wide range of blue to green colors that catch your attention. Many of the gem-grade materials can be deep blue, and the lapidary grade is usually a beautiful glacier ice blue.

This material should be used cautiously for jewelry pieces since it's only a 4.5 to 5 on the Moh's scale and can be extremely fragile. Working with this mineral will also create some challenges since it's not only soft but resistant to a high polish.

BUYING GUIDE