By Chisom Ibemere
Smithsonite is a rare zinc carbonate mineral that was named after James Smithson, an English scientist who was known for his contributions to the field of mineralogy. It was first discovered in the United States in 1802, but it is also found in other parts of the world such as Mexico, Australia, and Namibia.
Smithsonite has a vitreous to pearly lustre and can come in a wide range of colours including white, gray, yellow, green, blue, and pink. Its hardness ranges from 4 to 5 on the Mohs scale, making it quite durable. It is also quite dense, with a specific gravity ranging from 3.5 to 4.4, depending on the location where it was found.
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Smithsonite is found in many countries around the world, including the United States, Mexico, Australia, Namibia, and Greece. It is often found in association with other zinc minerals such as sphalerite, hemimorphite, and willemite.
Smithsonite is primarily used as a gemstone in jewellery, but it is also used in industrial applications such as in the production of zinc and as a flux for soldering. Due to its rarity, smithsonite is often collected by mineral enthusiasts and collectors.
Smithsonite is considered a rare and valuable gemstone, with prices ranging from a few dollars per carat to hundreds of dollars per carat, depending on the color and quality of the stone. Its rarity and beauty make it a prized possession among gem collectors and enthusiasts.
