Smithsonite
ZnCO₃

     Smithsonite is a new addition to the mineralogical suite of minerals at mont Saint-Hilaire in 2005. It has been discovered on older specimens.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Color is grey.
Luster is vitreous.
Diaphaneity is transparent to translucent.
Crystal System is hexagonal; R3c.
Crystal Habits include platey balls up to 2mm in diameter.
Cleavage is perfect on [1011].
Fracture is uneven to conchoidal.
Hardness is 4 - 4,5
Specific Gravity is approximately 4 g/cm³.
Streak is white.
Associated Minerals include aegirine, catapleiite, hemimorphite, hydrozincite and natrolite..
Distinguishing Features: May fluoresce.
Origin: Named in 1832 after James Smithson (1754-1829),
   whose generous bequest founded the Smithsonian Institution
   in Washington, D.C..

CLASSIFICATION:

REFERENCES:
Dana 8:438-439 (1997)

DISTRIBUTION AND RARITY AT MONT SAINT-HILAIRE:

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