Sphalerite

Real mineral · common · (Zn,Fe)S

Zinc sulfide and the primary ore of zinc. Its name derives from the Greek for treacherous, referring to how its varied appearance confuses identification. High-dispersion specimens produce fire exceeding that of diamond.

Identity

Formula

(Zn,Fe)S

Chemical class

sulfide

Also known as

Zinc blende, Black jack (dark variety)

Crystallography

Crystal system

cubic

Habits

massive, granular, dodecahedral

Fracture

conchoidal

Physical properties

Mohs hardness

3.5

Density

4.1 g/cm³

Luster

resinous, adamantine

Colors

brown, black, yellow, red, orange, colorless

Streak

pale yellow to brown

Transparency

transparent, translucent, opaque

Geology

Origins

hydrothermal, sedimentary

Host rocks

limestone, dolomite, shale

Associated minerals

Galena, Pyrite, Calcite, Barite

Geography

worldwide

Classification

Rarity

common

Gem quality

No

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