Zinc carbonate that forms in the oxidation zone of zinc ore deposits. Named after James Smithson, founder of the Smithsonian. Color: White, blue-green, yellow, pink, purple. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Streak: White. Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral. Hardness: 4-4.5. Transparency: Translucent. Crystal system: Hexagonal Trigonal. Chemical formula: ZnCO₃. Specific gravity: 4.4-4.5. Formation: Forms in the oxidized zone of zinc sulfide deposits by reaction of zinc-bearing fluids with carbonate rocks. Common geological settings: Namibia, Zambia, Greece, USA; found in oxidized zinc deposits in limestone. Common look-alikes and related entries: Hemimorphite, Prehnite, Chrysoprase.
These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.
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GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T14:37:02.08821+00:00
Review status
Published; not independently peer-reviewed
IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.
Zinc carbonate that forms in the oxidation zone of zinc ore deposits. Named after James Smithson, founder of the Smithsonian.
How can you identify Smithsonite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: White, blue-green, yellow, pink, purple; lustre: Vitreous to pearly; streak: White; Mohs hardness: 4-4.5; cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral; crystal system: Hexagonal Trigonal; transparency: Translucent. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Smithsonite form?
Forms in the oxidized zone of zinc sulfide deposits by reaction of zinc-bearing fluids with carbonate rocks.
Where is Smithsonite commonly found?
Namibia, Zambia, Greece, USA; found in oxidized zinc deposits in limestone.
What is Smithsonite commonly confused with?
Smithsonite may be confused with Hemimorphite, Prehnite, Chrysoprase. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
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