Comments. Hemimorphite is very rare as a faceted gemstone. So far, only Mexico has produced suitable material. However, gem cutters have cut cabochons from material found in many locations.

Where is hemimorphite found?

It is associated with other zinc ores in veins and beds in limestone and occurs in many zinc mines throughout the world. Well-crystallized, sheaflike specimens have been found in Siberia; Romania; Sardinia; Belgium; and New Jersey and Montana in the United States.

Is hemimorphite the same as Smithsonite?

Smithsonite is actually one of two zinc-bearing minerals previously known as calamine (the other mineral is hemimorphite). For many years, smithsonite and hemimorphite were believed to be the same mineral. Originally, the name calamine was used only in reference to the mineral hemimorphite.