smithsonite
/ˈsmɪθsənʌɪt
/noun [mass noun]
A yellow, grey, or green mineral consisting of zinc carbonate typically occurring as crusts or rounded masses.Masses of pale green botryoidal smithsonite in cavities to 5 cm have been found in ore stockpiled on the dump immediately east of the decline portal....
- Earlier descriptions indicate that many carloads of beautiful green smithsonite were shipped from this mine as high-grade zinc ore.
- Pseudomorphs of smithsonite after calcite crystals have been reported from this locality.
Origin
Mid 19th century: from the name Smithson (see Smithsonian Institution) + -ite1.