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smithsonite

[ smith-suh-nahyt ]

noun

, Mineralogy.
  1. a native carbonate of zinc, ZnCO 3 , that is an important ore of the metal.


smithsonite

/ ˈsmɪθsəˌnaɪt /

noun

  1. a white mineral consisting of zinc carbonate in hexagonal crystalline form: occurs chiefly in dry limestone regions and is a source of zinc. Formula: ZnCO 3 Also called (US)calamine
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of smithsonite1

1825–35; named after J. Smithson (who distinguished it from calamine); -ite 1
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Word History and Origins

Origin of smithsonite1

C19: named after James Smithson
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Example Sentences

Smithsonite is a carbonate much resembling, and often found with, calamine.

Zinc occurs in nature most commonly as sulphide (blende); it also occurs as carbonate (calamine) and silicate (smithsonite).

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