What to Cut
HEMIMORPHITE
BY RUSS KANIUTH
Hemimorphite can be found all around the world predominantly surrounding zinc mines. For many years hemimorphite and smithsonite were believed to be one in the same mineral. At that time, it was called calamine, the very same that is used as a household lotion for sunburns.
HEMIMORPHITE COLORS & USES
Most hemimorphite specimens are collector’s pieces, usually small drusy clusters in a pocket of its host stone. Hemimorphite also can be found in facet gem grade and lapidary grade material that can be cut into cabochons.
Hemimorphite has a wide range of blue to green colors that catch your attention. Many of the gemgrade materials can be deep blue, and the lapidary grade is usually a beautiful glacier ice blue.”