Collection: Hemimorphite

Hemimorphite does not have any official legends, because it was discovered late. In addition, it was often confused with calamine until 1803.

In reality, hemimorphite is a mineral made of zinc. It belongs to the silicate group. It is a zinc hydrosilicate that is found in the form of tabular crystals, that is to say they have a tablet shape.

Formerly, this mineral was known as calamine. In 1803, James Smithson (1765-1829), an English mineralogist and chemist, discovered that two very distinct minerals were intersected under the name of calamine. These two minerals were zinc carbonate (smithsonite) and zinc silicate (hemimorphite).

In 1853, Gustav Adolf Kenngott (1818 - 1897), a German mineralogist, studied hemimorphite and gave it his name. Its etymology comes from the Greek “hémi”, meaning “half” and “morphê” meaning “form”. This name was given to it because of the shape of its crystals at two different ends. One is pointed and ends in a pyramid, the other is blunt. Indeed, its biterminated crystals have two different endings due to the absence of an axis of symmetry.

Zinc carbonate smithsonite is rarer than zinc silicate hemimorphite. The formation of hemimorphite takes place mainly in the oxidized zones of zinc deposits. It is more present in arid climates and in clay-marl contexts. Today, it should be noted that it remains one of the most important zinc ores.

For the record, miners called all oxidized zinc compounds “calamine”. In reality, miner's scale is essentially hemimorphite, more rarely smithsonite. In fact, the name calamine is no longer used in mineralogy. Today, the name calamine refers to a pink mixture called “calamine lotion,” containing zinc oxide and iron oxide.

Hemimorphite is generally blue in color. However, it can change from colorless to white, yellow, gray, purple, pink, green and brown. Its colors vary depending on the level of iron contained. A quality hemimorphite stone is usually blue or green. It has similarities with turquoise. It can therefore be easily confused.

This stone develops particular properties, because it can be luminescent, fluorescent and triboluminescent. Furthermore, it is also known for its following characteristics: it is pyroelectric and it is piezoelectric.

Hemimorphite has a hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale (one to ten). It is used in the food industry as an anti-caking agent. It is found as a food supplement because of the zinc mineral it contains. Furthermore, it is widely used in jewelry and lithotherapy.

The main deposits are located in the United States, Australia, Argentina, Canada, etc.

In Lithotherapy, hemimorphite is a stone of harmony, which provides calm and serenity. It develops discernment, allows you to better analyze situations and to know yourself better. It creates a step back from events. It provides great comfort on a psychological level. It encourages the development of serene behavior and guides towards a peaceful life.

It makes it easier to manage negative emotions, such as anger, resentment and aggression. It helps people understand themselves better and provokes better introspection. Thus, it promotes good knowledge, better acceptance and an excellent understanding of oneself.

Hemimorphite is also a stone of communication. It is very useful when speaking in public. It develops a sense of listening to others and compassion.

This stone allows you to fully experience the present moment and calms inner storms. Concerning shy, introverted or reserved people, this stone gives confidence and assurance. It encourages them to assert themselves.

Hemimorphite is a stone that has a positive effect on creativity and inventiveness. It develops the artistic sense of its wearer.

This stone is known for attracting luck in life and for believing in yourself.