Description

Smithsonite is a mineral ore of zinc, commonly confused with Hemimorphite until it was realized they are two distinct minerals. They are similar in appearance and are found in similar colors. Smithsonite often occurs in association with other minerals like Hemimorphite, Willemite, Cerussite, Malachite and Azurite. It was named in honor of James Smithson first identified the mineral and whose bequest established the Smithsonian Institution.