Sphalerite
| Colour | Brown, Yellow, Red, Green |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 3.5–4 |
| Lustre | Adamantine, resinous, greasy |
| Streak | brownish white, pale yellow |
| Crystal system | Cubic |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent, opaque when iron-rich |
| Cleavage | perfect dodecahedral on [011] |
| Fracture | Uneven to conchoidal |
| Specific gravity | 3.9–4.2 |
What is Sphalerite?
Sphalerite is a sulfide mineral with the chemical formula (Zn, Fe)S. It is the most important ore of zinc. Sphalerite is found in a variety of deposit types, but it is primarily in sedimentary exhalative, Mississippi-Valley type, and volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits. It is found in association with galena, chalcopyrite, pyrite, calcite, dolomite, quartz, rhodochrosite, and fluorite.
How to identify Sphalerite
- Lustre: Adamantine, resinous, greasy.
- Hardness: Mohs 3.5–4 — soft; a knife will scratch it.
- Streak: brownish white, pale yellow.
- Habit: Cubic crystal system.
Sphalerite in different forms
Stones often confused with Sphalerite
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Sphalerite?
Sphalerite is Mohs 3.5–4 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Sphalerite?
Sphalerite is typically brown, yellow, red, green (Light to dark brown, red-brown, yellow, red, green, light blue, black and colourless).