calamina

Calamina refers to a specific type of zinc ore, primarily composed of zinc carbonate (ZnCO3). It is a mineral of secondary origin, meaning it forms near the Earth's surface through the weathering and alteration of primary zinc sulfide minerals like sphalerite. Calamina deposits are typically found in oxidized zones of ore bodies.

The term "calamina" has historically been used broadly to encompass various zinc-bearing minerals, but in modern mineralogy, it most accurately describes zinc carbonate. Other zinc minerals that might have been included under this older definition include smithsonite (another zinc carbonate with a different crystal structure) and hemimorphite (a zinc silicate hydroxide). These minerals often occur together in zinc deposits, making precise identification crucial for geological and mining purposes.

Calamina is a valuable source of zinc, a metal essential for numerous industrial applications, including galvanizing steel to prevent corrosion, manufacturing brass, and producing batteries. Historically, calamine was also used in medicinal preparations, particularly as a topical treatment for skin irritations and wounds, due to its astringent properties. The specific composition and purity of calamine deposits influence their economic viability for extraction.