HEMIMORPHITE GEMSTONE

HEMIMORPHITE GEMSTONE

Hemimorphite is derived from the Greek 'HEMI' and 'MORPH', meaning half-shape. This is in reference to Hemimorphite’s unusual and unique crystal structure formation. It shows different terminations at each end. One end is rather blunt, dominated by a single face, while the other is pointed and pyramid-like.

Hemimorphite is of a hydrous basic zinc silicate chemical composition. It has a hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale, similar to opal and turquoise and it has a perfect cleavage.

Most Hemimorphite gemstones occur in blue to blue-green and look similar to Chrysocolla, and Turquoise. The most sought after Hemimorphite are the sky-blue and Swiss blue, similar to the blue color of Paraiba Tourmaline. Hemimorphite also comes in green and colorless (white) colors.

Hemimorphite is transparent to opaque and when polished it exhibits a gorgeous vitreous to diamond-like adamantine luster. It also has a weak fluorescence.

Hemimorphite of gemstone quality usually ranges from transparent to translucent in clarity.

Hemomorphite displays some blue-white streak inclusions and also may come with a dark matrix.

Hemimorphite is primarily a collector's stone and not often used for jewelry. Having a perfect cleavage makes it quite fragile (it can easily be split by a single blow), not to mention it is also rather soft, having a hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale. This means that it can easily be scratched. If put on rings, earrings, pendants, pins or brooches, make sure that it is set into well-protective mountings. And Hemimorphite jewelry should only be worn on special occasions and taken with great care.

Because of its perfect cleavage, Hemimorphite is usually cut en cabochon, and in pears, ovals and cushions. Most Hemimorphite finished gemstones are quite large, weighing 5 carats or more. These finished pieces are usually for collectors, and only on rare occasion will you find Hemimorphite in exotic jewelry designs. The small pieces are often traded in druzy form. It is the druzy form of Hemimorphite that are most popular among gem and mineral collectors.

Hemimorphite was once referred to as Calamite and is an extremely rare gem-quality of zinc silicate. Hemimorphite and Smithsonite are both closely related and are rare collectors' gemstones. For many years, both were grouped together as 'calamine'. It was until 1803 that James Smithson of the Smithsonian Institute discovered that they were two distinctively different minerals. Hemimorphite is a zinc silicate, whereas Smithsonite is a zinc carbonate. Hermimorphite is rarer than Smithsonite.

Hemimorphite is also pyroelectric and piezoelectric.

Pyroelectricity is a property of certain crystals which are naturally electrically polarized and as a result contain large electric fields. This means that it generates an electric charge when heated.

Piezoelectricity is the electric charge that accumulates in certain solid materials (such as crystals, certain ceramics, and biological matter such as bone, DNA and various proteins) in response to applied mechanical stress. The word piezoelectricity means electricity resulting from pressure and latent heat. It is derived from the Greek word πιέζειν; piezein, which means to squeeze or press, and ἤλεκτρον ēlektron, which means amber, an ancient source of electric charge. [Note, both definitions of pyroelectric and piezoelectric were taken from Wikipedia].

Simply explained, some crystals like Hemimorphite, quartz, topaz and tourmaline convert mechanical energy into electricity or vice-versa. Piezoelectricity is what helps your quartz watch keep regular time and is what turns sound energy in your voice into electrical signals your computer could interpret.

Hemimorphite is not known to be treated or enhanced in any way.

Hemimorphite is believed to be a stone of empathy. It helps to bridge feelings and inner emotions. It also helps to bond relationships. It inspires love and cultivate compassion in the wearer.

It is a stone that helps the wearer obtain psychic visions. It balances one's emotion in overwhelming situations and also enhances one's communicative abilities.

It is a stone that boosts the energy or increases metabolism. Thus, it is said to be the stone to wear if one wants to lose weight. Personally, I would love to own one just to test this particular ability!

Clean your Hemimorphite using a soft cloth with warm water and a mild soap. Remember to make sure that you have removed all soap residue from your Hemimorphite gemstone.

Due to its perfect cleavage and low hardness, keep Hemimorphite in a fabric-lined bag away from other jewelry to prevent accidental scratches and cracks.

Some of the most significant deposits of Hemimorphite that yield gemstone quality materials are from Vieille Montagne, Belgium and Aachen, Germany. However, Hemimorphite can also be found in Algeria, Australia, Austria, England, Italy, Mexico, Poland, Russia (Siberia), Thailand, the Congo, Namibia, Madagascar and in the United States.