Hemimorphite Specimen

Hemimorphite is in the orthorhombic crystal system and made when Sphalerite which is a zinc bearing mineral gets exposed to water and air and over time the zinc dissolves and combines with silica in the water to form Hemimorphite crystals. This crystal is a complex mineral that is actually pyroelectric meaning it can generate electric charge when heated!

Hardness: 4.5 – 5
Composition: Zn₄(Si₂O₇)(OH)₂·H₂O