The chemical formula of Willemite is Zn₂SiO₄.
Willemite is an important zinc silicate mineral known for its distinctive properties, especially its strong fluorescence under ultraviolet light. Its chemical composition defines it as a compound primarily made up of zinc, silicon, and oxygen.
Chemical and Empirical Formulas of Willemite
While the chemical formula represents the precise atomic ratio of elements in the compound, the empirical formula simplifies this ratio to its most basic form. For Willemite, both the chemical and empirical representations are very similar, highlighting the presence of zinc silicate groups.
| Formula Type | Formula | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Zn₂SiO₄ | Represents two zinc atoms, one silicon atom, and four oxygen atoms per formula unit. |
| Empirical Formula | Zn₂(SiO₄) | Emphasizes the presence of the silicate (SiO₄) group bonded with zinc. |
Both formulas indicate that Willemite contains two parts zinc (Zn) for every one part silicate (SiO₄). The silicate group (SiO₄) itself consists of one silicon atom bonded to four oxygen atoms, forming a tetrahedral structure common in many silicate minerals.
Characteristics of Willemite
Willemite is a significant mineral, notably found as a main ore mineral in metamorphosed zinc ore bodies, such as those historically rich deposits at Franklin, New Jersey. Its unique composition makes it valuable not only scientifically for mineralogy studies but also historically for zinc extraction.
