Willemite
ExploreMineral
Willemite
Willemite is a rare mineral that glows bright green under ultraviolet light. It is often found in zinc deposits and is prized by collectors for its unique fluorescence.
Appearance
The Willemite is typically found as green, yellow-green, or reddish-brown crystals, though it can also be white or colorless. It often has a greasy or glassy sheen. Its varying colors and forms can make it look quite different depending on where it's found.
KingdomAnimalia
Category
MineralRarity
Rare
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It often forms from hot mineral-rich water cooling deep inside the Earth.
It's one of the first minerals ever discovered to glow under ultraviolet light!
While often tiny, massive willemite crystals as long as your forearm have been found!
Willemite provides zinc, a metal used in batteries and to protect steel from rust!
Special abilities
Ability
UV Light Show
Willemite has a unique crystal structure that makes it glow a vibrant green under ultraviolet light.
Ability
Squeeze Spark
Willemite has a special crystal structure that allows it to generate a small electric charge when squeezed!
Measurements & details
- Color Range
- white, yellow-green, green, reddish-brown, brown, grey, colorless
- Hardness
- 5.5
- Luster
- vitreous to resinous
- Specific Gravity
- 4.1
- Crystal System
- hexagonal
Traits
Fluorescent
Fluorescent minerals emit visible light when exposed to ultraviolet light or other non-visible radiation, a phenomenon called fluorescence.
Gemstone
A gemstone is a piece of mineral crystal which, when cut and polished, is used to make jewelry or other adornments.
Crystalline
Crystalline describes a mineral or rock composed of crystals, often exhibiting a regular atomic structure and geometric external form.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Willemite is a mineral and should not be ingested. Always handle minerals carefully to avoid accidental cuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors can Willemite be?
white, yellow-green, green, reddish-brown, brown, grey, colorless
How hard is Willemite?
5.5
What kind of luster does Willemite have?
vitreous to resinous
What is Willemite's specific gravity?
4.1
What crystal system does Willemite belong to?
hexagonal
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