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Glite Dictionary
smithsonite

smithsonite

9.9
A mineral that people use to get zinc metal
  • noun
  • /ˈsmɪθsəˌnaɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : smithsonita
  • Collectors prize smithsonite for its wide range of colors and crystal forms.

Examples

  • Refined smithsonite was historically an important source of zinc.

  • The geologist discovered a beautiful specimen of smithsonite in the ancient quarry.

  • The geologist found a piece of smithsonite in the rock formation.

  • Many smithsonites can be found in the mineral collection.

  • Collectors prize smithsonite for its wide range of colors and crystal forms.

  • Refined smithsonite is often used in the production of zinc metal.

  • The geologist discovered a beautiful specimen of smithsonite in the ancient quarry.

Synonyms

zinc spar
vssmithsonite
  • Specialized
9.9

A pale mineral often mined to make the metal zinc

is the same mineral but called by an alternative name

Surface Forms

smithsonite singular
smithsonites plural

Morphology

smithsonite = Smithson (opaque) = smithson + ite

The structure 'Smithson' + '-ite' (a mineral name) is recognizable, but the specific mineral composition (zinc carbonate) is technical and not deducible from the base.

Etymology

Smithsonite is named after the British chemist James Smithson, who studied minerals and helped scientists learn about ores. A helpful way to remember the word is to notice Smith in the name — a 'smith' is a 'metal worker' — so smithsonite is an 'ore' used to get the metal zinc.