Smithsonite
ID: 81
Smithsonite
Chemical Formula
ZnCO₃
Hardness (Mohs)
4 - 4.5
Crystal System
Trigonal
Streak
White
Luster
Vitreous to pearly, sometimes dull or earthy
Diaphaneity
Transparent to Translucent
Color
Typically white, gray, green, yellow, pink, blue, or brown. Often occurs in pastel shades.
Crystal Habit / Mode of Occurrence
Usually massive, botryoidal (grape-like clusters), stalactitic, or granular. Well-formed crystals are rare but are typically rhombohedral or scalenohedral.
Fun Facts
Smithsonite was named in honor of James Smithson, the English chemist and mineralogist whose bequest led to the founding of the Smithsonian Institution in the United States.