Calammina

Calammina is a term that can refer to several things, though it is most commonly associated with a mineral. In mineralogy, calammina refers to a historical name for smithsonite, a zinc carbonate mineral with the chemical formula ZnCO3. This name was used for a variety of zinc ores that contained smithsonite, often found in association with other minerals. The term calamina has also been applied to zinc ores from specific locations, notably in the Iberian Peninsula.

Beyond its mineralogical use, calamina can also be found in the context of historical medicinal preparations. For instance, a calamina lotion, or calamine lotion, is a topical preparation historically used to soothe skin irritations such as sunburn, insect bites, and poison ivy. This lotion typically contains zinc oxide and ferric oxide, which give it its characteristic pinkish color. While the mineral smithsonite is a source of zinc, the calamina lotion commonly found today is made with purified zinc oxide rather than the raw mineral itself. The association with skin treatment likely stems from the perceived soothing and drying properties attributed to zinc compounds. The precise origin and evolution of the term calammina and its relation to both the mineral and the medicinal preparation can be complex, with usage varying across different historical periods and regions.