Sphalerite
Image: Ivar Leidus (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameSphalerite
Chemical Formula(Zn,Fe)S
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemcubic
Lusterresinous
Streak Colorbrownish to yellow
Cleavageperfect dodecahedral on {011}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity4
Colorsblack, dark brown, reddish-brown
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityCreede, Mineral County, Colorado, USA
Mineral GroupSulfides
Usesore of zinc, collector
Associated Mineralschalcopyrite, calcite
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen features numerous dark, lustrous tetrahedral crystals of sphalerite, up to 8 mm, covering a matrix. Some areas show iridescent chalcopyrite and white calcite.
Geological Context
Sphalerite is a common sulfide mineral found in hydrothermal veins, contact metamorphic deposits, and sedimentary exhalative deposits. It typically forms in low to moderate temperature environments alongside other sulfide minerals.
