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The carbonate mineral smithsonite is also called “zinc spar” and is a minor, but important, mineral ore of zinc. It used to get confused with hemimorphite, but the two are now recognized as distinct minerals. It is a trigonal mineral that is typically found in earthy botryoidal masses and rarely as a well formed crystal. Smithsonite is variably colored and exhibits a Moh’s scale hardness of 4.5, a specific gravity of 4.4-4.5, a white streak and a special vitreous (or sometimes pearly) luster. Its unique silky to pearly luster resembles glowing wax beneath a candle flame, captivating and hooking collectors. It is translucent. It forms in the oxidation or weathering zone of zinc bearing ore deposits in the form of a secondary mineral, and sometimes in carbonate rocks as replacement bodies. Notable localities of smithsonite include Zambia, the United States, Mexico, Greece, Poland, Belgium, and more.
In the metaphysical world, all colors, shapes and textures of smithsonite vibrate with the energies of love, kindness, guidance, protection, acceptance, healing, tranquility and charm. They also tend to manifest favorable outcomes for their keepers or wearers. When you think of smithsonite, you might picture in your mind’s eye a bridge that helps you to cross safely over troubled waters. It is claimed to relieve stress via the soothing of the emotional body. It is sometimes also referred to as “the stone of rebirth,” as it may remedy one’s negative behaviors and then promote one to celebrate the new things to come in life. Sometimes people who have felt unwanted or unloved as a child find a respite in smithsonite, in particular. These people assert that it possesses the power to alleviate any long term effects stemming from emotional abuse they suffered in the past and still hold onto, thus healing their inner child. This stone is associated with the astrological signs of pisces and virgo, the element of water and the planet Neptune.
Smithsonite is also used by crystal healers in the healing of a variety of physical ailments. They are well known for their alleged ability to relieve stress in particular, which may be useful to anyone suffering from depression, anxiety, panic attacks or approaching nervous breakdown. If you would like some extra protection from germs during the flu season, you might try wearing smithsonite or keeping it with you on a daily basis, as it is believed to boost the immune system. Additionally, this stone may address skin disease, sinus problems, osteoporosis, ailments of the reproductive (including infertility), endocrine and digestive systems, and restore vein elasticity. Many who suffer from addiction to drugs and/or alcohol claim that it proves helpful in their battles, as well. As is the case in emotional healing, different colors of smithsonite should produce slightly different results.