A highly fluorescent material, willemite is a zinc silicate mineral known and a minor ore of zinc. It can be brown, reddish-brown white, gray, or light apple green. But it emits an intense glow when under a ray of ultraviolet light. This characteristic makes zincite a popular collector’s item.

As gorgeous as it looks, willemite isn’t a great jewellery or lapidary material. It has a hardness rating of 5.5, making it a soft and fragile mineral that’s difficult to polish. It also sustains scratches easily.

The History of Willemite

In 1830, the French mineralogist Serve-Dieu Abailard Levy named willemite in honor of Netherlands’ King William I (1772-1843). Known locally as King Willem, he was the first king of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Willemite was first found in present-day Belgium which was part of the greater Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Willemite is formed when sphalerite ore bodies are altered. It can be found in marble and may occur as a result of the metamorphism of hemimorphite or smithsonite. Willemite is found in different locations but it is most commonly found in zinc, iron, and manganese deposits in New Jersey and in Arizona.

In the dawn years of fluorescent lighting, manufacturers used lab-created willemite as coating for fluorescent tubes.

The Lore of Willemite

There is no recorded information about myths and legends related to this crystal.

The Metaphysical Properties of Willemite

Willemite is useful for those who are embarking on a new spiritual journey. It unlocks our psychic abilities, expands the consciousness, and helps you ease into the journey of becoming your higher self. Meditate with this crystal to access its energies.

This crystal acts as a mirror through which you can evaluate yourself. It opens your eyes to the habits and mindsets you must improve to become a better person. And as you do this, willemite increases your self-compassion so you can see yourself objectively without judgment.

The crystal also boosts your patience as you work on yourself. It gives you the courage and strength to accomplish any tasks on your plate with confidence.

Sources:

International Gem Society LLC. (2022, November 2). *Willemite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information - Gem Society. International Gem Society. https://www.gemsociety.org/article/willemite-jewelry-and-gemstone-information/

King, H. M. (n.d.). Fluorescent Minerals and Rocks: They Glow under UV Light! https://geology.com/articles/fluorescent-minerals/

MetaphysicalRealm1.com > MetaphysicalRealm1.com - CRYSTALS AND GEMSTONES - WILLEMITE. (n.d.). https://www.metaphysicalrealm1.com/information_pages-willemite.html Wikipedia contributors. (2022, December 30).

Willemite. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willemite Willemite: The mineral willemite information and pictures. (n.d.). https://www.minerals.net/mineral/willemite.aspx