TERRIUM — A mineralogy cabinet


Hemimorfita Azul

Hemimorfita is a mineral with formula Zn₄Si₂O₇(OH)₂·H₂O, in the Silicatos (Sorosilicatos) group. This specimen comes from Mina San Antonio, East Camp, Distrito Minero de Santa Eulalia, Aquiles Serdán, Chihuahua, México and joined the Terrium collection in 2025.

Hemimorfita Azul from Mina San Antonio, East Camp, Distrito Minero de Santa Eulalia, Aquiles Serdán, Chihuahua, México — Terrium

Description

Several complete fan-shaped globules, well defined and with no visible damage, of blue hemimorphite, protected within a broad cavity in limonitic matrix.

About Hemimorfita

Hemimorphite is a hydrated zinc silicate that crystallises in the orthorhombic system. It typically forms fans, rosettes and botryoidal aggregates. The bluish tones at Santa Eulalia derive from copper inclusions, valued for their rarity.

About the locality

The San Antonio Mine, within the East Camp of the Santa Eulalia mining district, is one of the classic world localities for hemimorphite. This district, active since the late 19th century, is noted for its zinc and lead mineralogy, producing hemimorphite specimens of very high quality and aesthetic character.

Technical data

Catalogue No.
0140
Composition
Zn₄Si₂O₇(OH)₂·H₂O
Name
Hemimorfita
Variety
Azul
Group
Silicatos (Sorosilicatos)
Category
Cavella
Matrix
Matriz limonítica
Mine
Mina San Antonio, East Camp
District / Municipality
Distrito Minero de Santa Eulalia
Province
Aquiles Serdán
Region
Chihuahua
Country
México
Size (cm)
6 x 3 x 3
Weight
85 g
Acquired
2025
Etymology
From the Greek "hemi" (half) and "morphé" (form), in allusion to its hemimorphic crystal structure.
Quality
Notable
Value trend
Estable

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