A bi-color pink and medium green-blue smithsonite, divided by a colorless band. 24.40-ct, triangular cabochon, 23.5 x 12.9 mm, Choix, Sinaloa, Mexico. © The Gem Trader. Used with permission.
Smithsonite occurs across the globe, but facetable crystals are extremely rare. These gems can show a wide range range of rich colors but are too soft for most jewelry use. However, high dispersion makes properly faceted smithsonites truly magnificent collector’s pieces.
| Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Smithsonite |
| Crystallography | Hexagonal (R). Crystals rhombohedral; massive, botryoidal, compact, stalactic. |
| Refractive Index | 1.621-1.848 |
| Colors | White, gray, pale to deep yellow, yellowish brown to brown, pale green, apple green, blue-green, blue, pale to deep pink, purplish, rarely colorless. May show color zoning. |
| Luster | Vitreous to pearly, earthy, dull. |
| Hardness | 4-4.5 |
| Fracture | Uneven |
| Specific Gravity | 4.3-4.45 |
| Birefringence | 0.227 |
| Cleavage | Perfect rhombohedral |
| Dispersion | 0.037 |
| Luminescence | See "Identifying Characteristics" below. |
| Luminescence Present | Yes |
| Luminescence Type | Fluorescent, UV-Long, UV-Short |
| Enhancements | Oiling, surface coating. |
| Typical Treatments | Oiling, Surface Coating |
| Transparency | Translucent to opaque. |
| Absorption Spectrum | Not diagnostic. |
| Formula | ZnCO3 + Fe, Ca, Co, Cu, Mn, Cd, Mg, Pb. |
| Optics | o = 1.848; e = 1.621. Uniaxial (-). |
| Optic Sign | Uniaxial - |
| Etymology | After James Smithson, the British mineralogist who discovered that the zinc ore known as calamine was composed of two distinct minerals, later named hemimorphite and smithsonite. |
| Occurrence | Commonly occurs as a secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of zinc-bearing deposits. |
In addition to identifying smithsonite as a distinct mineral in 1802 and other scientific accomplishments, James Smithson was the founding donor and namesake of the Smithsonian Institution. Three specimens of smithsonite, center specimen from Greece, the other two from Namibia, from the collection of the Smithsonian Institution. Photo credit: Laurie Minor-Penland. Public.Resource.Org. Licensed under CC By 2.0.
Smithsonite belongs to the calcite mineral group. It also forms a series as the zinc-dominant (Zn) end member with iron-dominant (Fe) siderite.
For many years, collectors have prized blue-green smithsonites from New Mexico and yellowish stones from Tsumeb, Namibia. However, varieties in many stunning colors exist, including deep yellows, apple greens, pinks, and purples.
Smithsonite, 10.0 x 8.5 x 5.2 cm. Refugio Mine, Choix, Sinaloa, Mexico. © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Used with permission.
Some references may cite traces of cadmium as the cause of yellow, cobalt as the cause of pink, and copper as the cause of green and blue. However, research on the causes of color in this gemstone continues. For example, some pink specimens identified as “cobaltian smithsonites” proved to have no cobalt under further examination.
Regardless of the causes, the colors of faceted smithsonites benefit greatly from this gem’s considerable dispersion or “fire.” Unfortunately, relatively low hardness and perfect cleavage leave these gems vulnerable to damage from everyday wear as jewelry stones. Furthermore, the cleavage can also make smithsonites difficult to cut.
Smithsonite: Tsumeb, Namibia (cabochon ~ 50, faceted gems ~ 18, 12). Photo © Joel E. Arem, PhD, FGA. Used with permission.
Smithsonite effervesces in warm acids. Please keep in mind that acid testing is a destructive test. It can endanger both the gem and the tester. Never conduct this test on a finished gem. Use this procedure on rough as a last resort for gem identification only.
Faceted smithsonites may show a doubling of back facets as seen through the table due to high birefringence. However, such stones must have considerably greater transparency than typical.
Cabbed smithsonites will show a “birefringence blink” when examined through a refractometer.
Smithsonite: Tsumeb, Namibia (3.16). Photo © Joel E. Arem, PhD, FGA. Used with permission.
Under shortwave ultraviolet light:
Under longwave ultraviolet light:
Geologists have synthesized smithsonite (a zinc ore) for research purposes. Evidently, “synthetic smithsonite” does occasionally appear in jewelry. However, an online search for such pieces doesn’t clarify whether this material is actually lab created or just a simulant or “imitation.” These may be instances of the term “synthetic” used in the more popular sense of just simply “not real.”
Smithsonites are somewhat porous. Thus, some pieces may receive oil treatments to enhance their luster or surface coatings to prevent discoloration.
The Kelly Mine in Socorro County, New Mexico, USA produces celebrated blue and blue-green material of fine color in massive crusts.
Smithsonite: Kelly Mine, New Mexico (blue 5 inches), Mexico (other colors). Photo © Joel E. Arem, PhD, FGA. Used with permission.
Most facetable material comes from African sources. Tsumeb, Namibia produces yellowish, pinkish, and green facetable crystals. Broken Hill, Zambia also yields transparent crystals to 1 cm.
Smithsonite: Tsumeb, Namibia (8.00, 10.40). Photo © Joel E. Arem, PhD, FGA. Used with permission.
Mexico produces material with much variation in color, including bi-colors, as well as pink and bluish crusts. The pink material from Mexico is especially lovely.
Laurium, Greece yields fine blue and green crystals.
The Masua and Monteponi mines in Sardinia, Italy once produced translucent, deep yellow, banded material. However, these mines are now closed.
Under strong transmitted light, you could see the banding in this 6.17-ct yellow smithsonite. Pear mixed cut, 13.3 x 9.5 mm, Monteponi Mine, Iglesias, Sardinia. © The Gem Trader. Used with permission.
Other notable sources include the following locations:
Lapidaries can cut beautiful cabochons up to many inches from massive material from New Mexico, Sardinia, and other localities. Crusts in some localities are several inches thick. Facetable crystals are rare, and stones over 10 carats could be considered exceptional.
You’re more likely to find smithsonites in a mineral collection than a jewelry collection. Reserve these gems for occasional wear or pieces with protective settings. For instance, pendants and earrings would make excellent jewelry choices. Store smithsonites separately from other harder, more common jewelry stones.
Since smithsonites are somewhat porous, don’t wear them while applying perfumes or other sprays. Avoid wearing them directly against your skin. Clean these gems only with a soft brush, mild detergent, and warm water, but don’t soak them. See our jewelry cleaning guide for more recommendations.
Smithsonite, Berg Aukus, Namibia. Photo by Thomas Spann. Licensed under CC By 2.0.
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