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Sphalerite - Mineral Properties and Uses

What is Sphalerite?

Sphalerite is a zince sulfide mineral commonly found in hydrothermal veins; or as fracture filings, cavity fillings and replacements in limestone; and, contact metamorphism deposits. Lesser amounts are found in many igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Sphalerite is the primary ore of zinc and is often mined for its content of cadmium, indium, gallium or germanium (these substitute for zinc within the sphalerite structure). Its six directions of cleavage, resinous to sometimes adamantine luster and sulfur smell upon streak make sphalerite very easy to identify.

Uses

Sphalerite uses include: primary ore of zinc, mined because it contains minor amounts of indium, cadmium, germanium or gallium.

Color

pale yellow, light brown, black, red, green, white, colorless

Streak

brown to light yellow, white

Luster

resinous

Diaphaneity

transparent to translucent

Cleavage

perfect, dodecahedral

Hardness

3.5 - 4

Specific Gravity

3.9 - 4.1

Distinguishing
Characteristics

luster, cleavage, streak

Crystal System

isometric

Chemical Classification

sulfide

Chemical Composition

zinc sulfide , ZnS

Sphalerite Pictures

sphalerite
Sphalerite with dolomite from Gilman, Colorado.
Specimen is approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) across.




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