Comparison · Minerals vs Carbonates
Hemimorphite vs Smithsonite
Hemimorphite and Smithsonite are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 4.5–5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Hemimorphite and Smithsonite
- Both sit near Mohs 4.5–5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Smithsonite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 4.4 versus 3.4–3.5 for Hemimorphite).
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Hemimorphite is Transparent to translucent, Smithsonite is translucent.
- They overlap in blue, green, and yellow, but Hemimorphite also comes in clear and brown and Smithsonite also comes in pink and white.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Hemimorphite is Orthorhombic, Smithsonite is trigonal.
Hemimorphite vs Smithsonite properties
| Property | Hemimorphite | Smithsonite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Carbonates |
| Mohs hardness | 4.5–5 | 4.5 |
| Luster | Vitreous, silky when fibrous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 3.4–3.5 | 4.4 |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic | trigonal |
| Common colors | White, Colorless, Pale blue, Green, Brown, Yellowish | Blue green, Green, Blue, Yellow, Pink, White |
| Rarity | common | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $15–$900+ |
Which is more valuable?
Smithsonite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $120 against $20 for Hemimorphite, and premium Smithsonite can reach $900 or more.
About Hemimorphite
Hemimorphite is a zinc silicate hydroxide mineral crystallizing in the orthorhombic system and named for its hemimorphic crystals, which develop different faces at opposite ends of the same crystal axis. It typically forms in the oxidized zones of zinc ore deposits, often intergrown with or resembling smithsonite, another secondary zinc mineral. Its delicate, fan-shaped crystal clusters and pastel blue to white coloring make it a favorite among collectors of secondary zinc minerals.
About Smithsonite
Smithsonite is a zinc carbonate mineral most admired for its smooth botryoidal crusts and soft pastel colors, especially blue-green. It also occurs as massive material and rare rhombohedral crystals and is a recognized zinc ore.
Hemimorphite vs Smithsonite FAQ
Is Hemimorphite the same as Smithsonite?
No. Hemimorphite is a mineral while Smithsonite is a carbonate. Both sit near Mohs 4.5–5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Hemimorphite from Smithsonite?
Both sit near Mohs 4.5–5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Smithsonite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 4.4 versus 3.4–3.5 for Hemimorphite). Hold a thin edge to the light: Hemimorphite is Transparent to translucent, Smithsonite is translucent.
Which is harder, Hemimorphite or Smithsonite?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 4.5–5.
Which is more valuable, Hemimorphite or Smithsonite?
Smithsonite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $120 against $20 for Hemimorphite, and premium Smithsonite can reach $900 or more.
