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Sphalerite
Sphalerite - Mineral Properties and Uses |
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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 |
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Sphalerite with dolomite from Gilman, Colorado.
Specimen is approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) across.
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