noun
smithsonite
SMITH-suh-nyte
Smithsonite (noun) means Smithsonite is a mineral form of zinc carbonate, mined both as a source of zinc and as an ornamental stone. Example: “Miners once dug smithsonite from these hills.”
noun
1
Smithsonite is a mineral form of zinc carbonate, mined both as a source of zinc and as an ornamental stone.
"Miners once dug smithsonite from these hills."
"The museum case held a pale blue smithsonite specimen."
"Collectors prize smithsonite for its rounded, banded crystals."
How to use smithsonite
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA zinc-bearing mineral that is sometimes cut and polished like a gemstone.
When to use it
This is a specialist mineralogy term, rarely used outside geology and collecting.
Memory tip
Remember it is named after a person, James Smithson, rather than describing what it looks like.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
smithsonite specimen
banded smithsonite
smithsonite crystal
smithsonite ore
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Miners once dug _____ from these hills.
Etymology
Smithsonite takes its name from James Smithson, who lived from 1754 to 1829. The mineral was named after him in 1832.
Synonyms
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zinc spar
Rhymes for smithsonite
See all rhymes for smithsonite →Frequently asked questions
What is smithsonite made of?
It is a mineral form of zinc carbonate.
Who was smithsonite named after?
It was named after James Smithson in 1832.
What is smithsonite used for?
It is mined as a zinc ore and also cut and polished as an ornamental stone.
What is the meaning of smithsonite?
"smithsonite" (noun) means smithsonite is a mineral form of zinc carbonate, mined both as a source of zinc and as an ornamental stone.
