galerite

Galerite is a zinc carbonate mineral that has historically been described in some sources as a distinct species, though in many modern references it is treated as a variation or synonym of smithsonite (ZnCO3). It forms in the oxidation zones of zinc-bearing ore bodies and, less commonly, in secondary replacements and hydrothermal environments.

Crystals are rare; the mineral more often occurs as botryoidal, crustal, or massively aggregated masses. When present as crystals, they may appear rhombohedral or tabular, but subhedral to euhedral forms are uncommon. The color is typically colorless to white; impurities can yield pink, yellow, green, or brown hues. Galerite has a vitreous to resinous luster and a Mohs hardness around 4. It effervesces slowly with dilute acids. The refractive index is close to that of calcite, and it is transparent to translucent overall.

Chemically, it is ZnCO3 with a density around 4.0 g/cm3. It commonly occurs with calcite, smithsonite, cerussite, wulfenite, and quartz in secondary zinc-rich zones. Economic importance is primarily as a zinc ore constituent in localities where smithsonite is mined. It is also collected by mineral enthusiasts for its color variety and botryoidal forms.

Notable localities are worldwide, reflecting its occurrence in diverse zinc-bearing ore environments. In modern mineralogy, galerite is rarely treated as a separate, widely recognized species, and its usage is mostly found in historical or regional literature.