Hemimorphite derives its name from the Greek hemi, meaning “half” and morph, meaning “shape”. This unusual hemimorphic crystal habit produces a different termination at each end of a single crystal. Often, though, one end of the crystal is obscured by being attached to its matrix. This mineral has another unique feature, in that it presents two different distinct crystal patterns: A well-crystallized form, and a microcrystalline botryoidal/globular form. These two forms appear polar opposites, yet they are the same mineral. Its color is white, colorless, beige, yellow, pale brown, blue and blue-green. Crystal luster is vitreous to adamantine. Botryoidal/globular luster is waxy, silky and pearly.

The crystal system for Hemimorphite is orthorhombic, typically bladed in fan shaped groupings and in globular form such as reniform and botryoidal aggregates. Other forms include thin tabular crystals, stalactitic, radiating, acicular, in rosettes, encrusting, massive and druzy.

Hemimorphite is found in many localities worldwide. Notable locations include China, DR Congo, France, Italy, Mexico, Namibia and the USA (Colorado, Arizona).