Hemimorphite

Hemimorphite Palabanda, M’Fouati District, Republic of Congo Hemimorphite is a semi-precious gemstone and zinc ore with a unique crystal structure that gives it its name: Composition: A hydrated zinc silicate with the chemical formula Zn₄(OH)₂·H₂O Color: Can be white, beige, light brown, blue, green, or yellow Crystal structure: One end of the crystal is blunt and dominated by a single face, while the other end is more pointed and pyramidal Name: Comes from the Greek words hemi, meaning “half”, and morph, meaning “shape” Uses: An important zinc ore, and can be used in jewelry Care: Should be stored separately from harder stones, and cleaned with a soft brush, mild detergent, and warm water Other properties: May fluoresce and phosphoresce white to pale yellow in UV light, and gelatinizes with acids.