Hi Guys:
Thought I’d chime in with some more info on this rare gem.
Organic gems aside, all gems are minerals, but not all mineral specimens possess the three attributes of beauty, rarity and durability necessary to make them a gemstone.
A definite first (and possibly a last) for us not only due to the geological scarcity of suitable gem quality Hemimorphite (while many mineral deposits exist, very few yield gem quality), but also because of the difficulty this gem poses for the lapidary (i.e. it is notoriously difficult to polish well). To put this into context, gem dealer and lapidary Tony Diniz, has only encountered two gem quality Hemimorphite deposits (including this one) in his 12 years in the gem business. Interestingly, both hailed from Madagascar. In the 8 years I have been in business, I have only seen this rare exotic gem a few times.
Apart from its rarity, the biggest draw card of our Hemimorphite is its popular colour that suites all complexions (the colour of the sky and tropical seas, medium or aqua blues suit almost any skin tone). Colour is the most important consideration in coloured gems and our Hemimorphite has attractive, bright vivid Swiss blues reminiscent of the neon swimming pool blues of Paraíba Tourmaline. Interestingly, jewellery designer Kara Ross, a favourite on the runways for such fashion brands as Naeem Khan and Jay Mendel, uses Hemimorphite in her jewellery.
Our Hemimorphite is from Ilakaka, Madagascar. As I am sure many of you know, lakaka is actually a major source for Sapphires. Hemimorphite (Zn4Si2O7(OH)2•H2O) has been mined since antiquity and is a secondary mineral in the weathered portions (oxidized zone) of zinc deposits. Hemimorphite is closely associated with Smithsonite, they were often assumed to be the same mineral and both were classed under the same name, ‘calamine’ by European miners. In the second half of the 18th century it was discovered that there were two different minerals under the heading of calamine: a zinc carbonate (Smithsonite) and a zinc silicate (Hemimorphite). Another historic name for Hemimorphite is ‘galmei’. Named after the hemimorphic (asymmetrical) nature of it crystals (in Greek ‘hemi’ means half while ‘morph’ means shape), our Hemimorphite is transparent to translucent, occasionally with some attractive mottling and a delightful Swiss Paraíba blue. Its other colours include blue-green, brown, colourless, green, grey, white, and yellow. Hemimorphite’s white or pale blue transparent crystals are rarely seen as faceted gemstones (and from what I have seen, they're actually not that attractive when they are). However, its beautiful blue aggregate form (e.g. Chalcedony is the aggregate form of Quartz) is very attractive when cut as cabochons, albeit difficult to polish. Astrologically associated with Librans, Hemimorphite is a gemstone with many purported metaphysical properties, which you can easily find online.
Concerning its durability, as long as you follow a few simple do’s and don’ts listed here
http://www.rocksandco.com/library/gemstone-enhancement.asp all your gemstone jewellery will last for generations.
Lastly, Calico you’re not being daft, calamine is a mixture of zinc oxide and iron oxide and is the main ingredient in calamine lotion, so there is an association.
I hope this helps, as always, please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Kind Regards,
Gav
lease give me your very much appreciated opinions,there could be a book deal.".The educated gem shopping telly buyer".I think we're on to a winner.
