1.6" Hemimorphite and Rosasite Association - Utah

Rosasite is a secondary mineral that forms in oxidation zones of copper-zinc deposits, generally forming a fibrous botryoidal sphere that can appear vitreous and silky. While typically featuring a blue-green color, colorless specimens are not unheard of. The chemical formula of rosasite is CuZnCO3(OH)2.

Hemimorphite is a basic hydrous zinc silicate with the chemical composition Zn4Si2O7(OH)2 · H2O. It earned its name from the Greek terms that best define its crystal structure. It has two different terminations on each side of the crystal, hence the inclusion of the greek terms "hemi", meaning half, and "morph", meaning shape. The crystal formations can range anywhere between a crystal druze or botryoidal formation to radiating acicular crystals and more. Hemimorphite has been found in shades of white, beige, light brown, and a bright, electric blue. It can also form as yellow and green crystals on rare occasions.

Prior to 1803, hemimorphite and smithsonite were thought to be the same mineral, called "calamine". However, further scientific research concluded that these were two distinct minerals.