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.
Physical Properties of Sphalerite |
| Uses |
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 |
| Mohs Hardness |
3.5 - 4 |
| Specific Gravity |
3.9 - 4.1 |
| Distinguishing Characteristics |
luster, cleavage, streak |
| Chemical Composition |
zinc sulfide , ZnS |
| Crystal System |
isometric |
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| Sphalerite with dolomite from Gilman, Colorado. Specimen is approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) across. |
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