smithsonite

[ smith-suh-nahyt ]

noun

, Mineralogy.

1. a native carbonate of zinc, ZnCO 3 , that is an important ore of the metal.

smithsonite

/ ˈsmɪθsəˌnaɪt /

noun

1. a white mineral consisting of zinc carbonate in hexagonal crystalline form: occurs chiefly in dry limestone regions and is a source of zinc. Formula: ZnCO 3 Also called (US)calamine

Word History and Origins

Origin of smithsonite¹

1825–35; named after J. Smithson (who distinguished it from calamine); -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of smithsonite¹

C19: named after James Smithson

Example Sentences

Smithsonite is a carbonate much resembling, and often found with, calamine.

From Project Gutenberg

Zinc occurs in nature most commonly as sulphide (blende); it also occurs as carbonate (calamine) and silicate (smithsonite).

From Project Gutenberg