hemimorphite cabochon - Arizonahemimorphite cabochon - Arizona

Hemimorphite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information


Massive hemimorphite can have a very delicate, blue color. However, it's seldom cut because not very much has appeared on the market.

1 Minute Read

HomeGemstonesHemimorphite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Massive hemimorphite can have a very delicate, blue color. However, it’s seldom cut because not very much has appeared on the market.

hemimorphite cabochon - Arizona
Hemimorphite cabochon, 54.75 cts, 30.6 x 27.6 x 5.5 mm, ’79 Mine, Arizona. © 49erMinerals. Used with permission.

Start an IGS Membership today

for full access to our price guide (updated monthly).

Hemimorphite Value

Hemimorphite crystal - Zacatecas, Mexico
Hemimorphite: Zacatecas, Mexico (~ 3 inches high). Photo © Joel E. Arem, PhD, FGA. Used with permission.

Comments

Hemimorphite is very rare as a faceted gemstone. So far, only Mexico has produced suitable material. However, gem cutters have cut cabochons from material found in many locations.

In the early 19th century, the British mineralogist James Smithson discovered that the zinc ore then known as calamine was composed of hemimorphite and smithsonite. These minerals, along with hydrozincite, are, in fact, distinct minerals despite their external similarities.

Faceted hemimorphite - Zacatecas, Mexico
Faceted Hemimorphite: Mexico (0.75). Photo © Joel E. Arem, PhD, FGA. Used with permission.

Identifying Characteristics

As crystals, hemimorphites show different terminations at each end. Hence the name hemi - morphite, since each end or "half" takes a different "form."

This gem exhibits the pyroelectric effect. When heated, it generates an electrical charge.

hemimorphite - Saint Eulalia, Mexico
Hemimorphite, Santa Eulalia Dist., Serdan, Chihuahua, Mexico. © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Used with permission.

Synthetics

No known synthetics. However, gemologists have identified artificial simulants, such as partially devitrified glass. (The process of devitrification produces crystals in normally amorphous glass).

Natural gems such as smithsonite, chrysocolla, and turquoise may also resemble hemimorphite. However, these gems possess very different properties and should be distinguished easily. Chrysocolla's and turquoise's specific gravities differ significantly from hemimorphite's. Smithsonite's specific gravity and optic sign also differ from those of its former partner in calamine.

Sources

In Mexico, Mapimi, Durango and Santa Eulalia, Chihuahua can produce transparent crystals up to several inches in length, which may yield stones up to approximately 7-10 carats. Blue crusts are also found. Other Mexican locations produce beautiful gems as well.

This mineral is found in various localities worldwide. Other notable gem-quality sources include the following:

  • United States: southwestern states.
  • China; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Republic of the Congo; Italy.
hemimorphite - China
Hemimorphite crystals, Laochang ore field (Laochang Mine), Eastern Sub-District, Gejiu Sn-polymetallic ore field, Gejiu Co., Honghe Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. Photo by Géry Parent. Public Domain.

Stone Sizes

Gem cutters have cut cabochons up to several inches in length from massive blue material. They've also faceted colorless material from Mexico into gems from 1-3 carats in size. Larger stones are very rare.

  • Devonian Group (Calgary, Alberta, Canada): 1.90 (colorless, Mexico).

Care

Due to their relatively low hardness, store these gems separately from other harder, more common jewelry stones, such as quartz. For cleaning, use a soft brush, mild detergent, and warm water only. Consult our gemstone jewelry cleaning guide for more recommendations.

hemimorphite - Arizona
Hemimorphite, '79 Mine (Seventy-Nine property; McHur prospect), Chilito, Hayden area, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mts, Gila Co., Arizona, USA. © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Used with permission.

Joel E. Arem, Ph.D., FGA

Dr. Joel E. Arem has more than 60 years of experience in the world of gems and minerals. After obtaining his Ph.D. in Mineralogy from Harvard University, he has published numerous books that are still among the most widely used references and guidebooks on crystals, gems and minerals in the world.

Co-founder and President of numerous organizations, Dr. Arem has enjoyed a lifelong career in mineralogy and gemology. He has been a Smithsonian scientist and Curator, a consultant to many well-known companies and institutions, and a prolific author and speaker. Although his main activities have been as a gem cutter and dealer, his focus has always been education. joelarem.com


International Gem Society

Never Stop Learning

When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.

Become a Member

Get Gemology Insights

Get started with the International Gem Society’s free guide to gemstone identification. Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist!