Smithsonite
“The zinc carbonate chameleon”
Smithsonite is a zinc carbonate mineral that forms in the oxidation zones of zinc ore deposits, occurring in a remarkable range of colors including blue, green, pink, yellow, and lavender. It's named after James Smithson, the British mineralogist whose bequest founded the Smithsonian Institution.
zinc carbonate (ZnCO₃)
Kelly Mine (New Mexico, USA), Tsumeb (Namibia), Broken Hill (Zambia), Laurion (Greece), Sardinia (Italy)
4-4.5
James Smithson, who smithsonite is named after, never visited America — yet his fortune and mineral collection founded the Smithsonian Institution, now the world's largest museum complex.
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