What mineral is sphalerite?
Sulfide mineral
| Sphalerite | |
|---|---|
| Category | Sulfide mineral |
| Formula (repeating unit) | (Zn,Fe)S |
| IMA symbol | Sp |
| Strunz classification | 2.CB.05a |
Is sphalerite a mineral or a rock?
Sphalerite is an ore—a mineral of economic value—that was once mined in southeastern Kansas for its zinc content. It is also called zinc blende, blende, blackjack, and mock lead. Sphalerite crystals are usually shaped like triangular pyramids, with three sides and a base.
What is sphalerite used for?
Mined zinc from sphalerite can be used to produce zinc supplements for agronomic biofortification, and food fortification. Zinc in sphalerite can also be used to produce certain types of bronze. Sphalerites industries are used in batteries, brass, and galvanized iron.
How much zinc is in sphalerite?
64.06 %
Sphalerite Mineral Data
| General Sphalerite Information | |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula: | (Zn,Fe)S |
| Composition: | Molecular Weight = 96.98 gm |
| Zinc 64.06 % Zn | |
| Iron 2.88 % Fe |
Is sphalerite expensive?
Answer. Sphalerite sells between $20 and $200 per carat. The value is dependent on many factors, but cut, color, and clarity are the biggest ones. You need to find a qualified appraiser who is familiar with rare gems.
What crystal is sphalerite?
Sphalerite, also known as zinc blende and black-jack, is a zinc sulfide mineral that crystallizes in the form of masses, botryoidal, cubes, tetrahedral crystals, and dodecahedral crystals. Its most commonly silver and grey, but can also be seen as red, black, yellow, brown, green, and colorless.
How much is sphalerite worth?
between $20 and $200 per carat
Sphalerite sells between $20 and $200 per carat. The value is dependent on many factors, but cut, color, and clarity are the biggest ones. You need to find a qualified appraiser who is familiar with rare gems.
Is sphalerite rare or common?
rare
Sphalerite is a zinc sulphide mineral that is quite rare in gem quality. Top grade specimens are prized for their exceptional fire or dispersion, which is higher than that of diamond.
Is sphalerite poisonous?
Sphalerite may contain cadmium (Cd). This highly volatile and toxic metal is emitted to atmosphere and, because of potential damage to the environment, emission limits are low in all national standards.
Is sphalerite used in jewelry?
Although sphalerite is a soft gem and it’s usually not used in jewelry, some designers get captivated by the beauty of this gem and some very skilled jewelers are capable to set this soft stone in precious metal mounting.
What does sphalerite look like?
Sphalerite’s streak is white to yellowish brown and sometimes is accompanied by a distinct odor of sulfur. Occasionally it streaks reddish brown. One of the most distinctive properties of sphalerite is its cleavage. It has six directions of perfect cleavage with faces that exhibit a resinous to adamantine luster.
Is sphalerite a gemstone?
Sphalerite gemstones: Sphalerite is occasionally cut as a faceted stone. It is a popular stone with collectors because it has a dispersion that is three times higher than the dispersion of diamond. The stones occur in a spectrum of colors ranging from yellowish green, to yellow, to orange, to red.