Smithsonite with excellent color and clarity is often cut into faceted gems and cabochons. It is rarely used in jewelry because it has a Mohs hardness of only 4 to 4.5 and would be quickly scratched and abraded even with careful wear. The accompanying photos show a faceted oval of translucent yellow smithsonite and a teardrop-shaped cabochon cut from translucent blue smithsonite.

Smithsonite is a good example of a collector’s gem. They often have spectacular beauty but are too fragile to be practical in jewelry. They might also be extremely rare or not well enough known to have a viable market with jewelry buyers.