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Willemite
Willemite is a popular mineral composed of zinc silicate. [1]
Willemite: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Willemite:- Transparency: Willemite can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, willemite can be hexagonal or trigonal.
- Luster: In terms of luster, willemite can be pearly, resinous or vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: Willemite streaks white.
- Hardness: Willemite's hardness is 5.5 on the Moh's scale.
- Specific Gravity: Willemite's specific gravity ranges from 3.89 to 4.1.
Willemite: Background and Summary
Willemite is a zinc silicate mineral that is known for its green fluorescence under ultraviolet light. It was first discovered in 1830 by William I, King of the Netherlands, and was named after him. Willemite can be identified by its green color under ultraviolet light and its chemical composition, which consists of zinc, silicon, and oxygen.Willemite has a variety of uses in different industries. In the ceramic industry, it is used as a glaze component to produce a green color. It is also used in the manufacture of zinc oxide, which is used in paint, rubber, and other products. Willemite is also used as a gemstone, although it is not very common. It is a popular mineral among collectors because of its fluorescence under ultraviolet light.
Willemite: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Willemite (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | Zn2SiO4 |
| Chemical Composition | zinc silicate |
| Specific Gravity | 3.89, 4.1 |
| Hardness | 5.5 |
| Streak | white |
| Crystallography | hexagonal, trigonal |
| Refractive Index | 1.691, 1.719 |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: brown, blue, green, yellow sometimes: red, white less common: gray, pink, black, orange, colorless, multicolor |
| Category | silicate |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.028 |
| Fracture | 1: 1 |
Willemite: FAQ
Q: Is willemite a rare mineral?A: Willemite is not considered a rare mineral, but it is not very common either.
Q: Can willemite be found in jewelry?
A: Yes, willemite can be used as a gemstone, although it is not very common.
Q: Is willemite toxic?
A: Willemite is not toxic, but it should not be ingested or inhaled.
Q: Where can willemite be found?
A: Willemite can be found in zinc ore deposits around the world, including in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Sources
- "Willemite: Mineral information, data, and localities." Mindat.org. https://www.mindat.org/min-4288.html- "Willemite." Geology.com. https://geology.com/minerals/willemite.shtml
- Willemite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willemite
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