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Hemimorphite

UNB-2017-0141Minerals » Silicates » Sorosilicates

Description

Geode of thin needle-like euhedral Hemimorphite crystals entwined with brown/yellow fine-grained Limonite. Hemimorphite crystals have a vitreous lustre. Hemimorphite (Zn4Si2O7(OH)2 x H2O) can be white, colourless, yellowish, bluish or brownish in colour. Lustre can be vitreous, adamantine or dull and streak is colourless. Hardness is 4 1/2 to 5 and cleavage is perfect in one direction. Hemimorphite usually occurs as thin tabular crystals that can be fan-shaped aggregates or platy crystals. Hemimorphite can also be mammillary, stalactitic or granular in form.

Specifications

Object name Hemimorphite
IDUNB-2017-0141
Legal statusPermanent collection
CategoryMineral
Classification
Mineral group:
Silicates
Sub-group:
Sorosilicates
Composition
  • Ca2(Al,Fe)3(SiO4)3(OH)
  • (Al,Fe)SiO4
  • Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH)
  • Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH)
OriginMexico
Pieces1
PartialNo
Measurements
  • 11cm x 4cm x 7cm

Map of Origin

Publications

  • Chesterman, C.W. 1979. Audubon Society, Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals. Knopf.