geodil.jpg

A Geoscience Digital Image Library

755.jpg
TitleSmithsonite
DescriptionSmithsontie, ZnCO3 (zinc carbonate), may form rhombohedral or other sparry crystals, since it is closely related to calcite and other rhombohedral carbonates. The typical crystal habit of smithsonite is, however, botryoidal. This form has the appearance of grape bunches or mammalary intergrowths, and is the result of radiating fibrous crystals that grow outward and into each other. Smithsonite is known for its green color but, as can be seen in this sample, it can come in other colors as well. This specimen is 10 cm across.
LocationUSA ▹ Iowa ▹ Dubuque. Near Dubuque.
PhotographerDarla Sondrol. 2001-06-18.
CollectionUniversity of North Dakota Mineralogy Collection #696.
Key wordssmithsonite, Iowa
Tech details560 KB. Hand specimen. Fujifilm FinePix S1Pro digital camera; 60mm AF Nikon micro lens.
GeoDIL number755