Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
cubiccommonSulfides
Sphalerite
(Zn,Fe)S
This specimen features dark, lustrous, well-formed crystals of sphalerite, appearing black or very dark brown, intergrown with purple fluorite.
Sphalerite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
3.5Crystal System
cubicLuster
resinousStreak Color
brownish-yellowCleavage
perfect dodecahedral (6 directions)Fracture
conchoidalSpecific Gravity
4Colors
black, dark brownTransparency
translucentType Locality
Naica, Municipio de Saucillo, Chihuahua, MexicoMineral Group
SulfidesUses
ore of zinc, collectorAssociated Minerals
fluoriteRarity
commonGeological Context
Sphalerite is a common sulfide mineral found in hydrothermal veins, contact metamorphic deposits, and sedimentary exhalative deposits, often associated with other sulfide minerals like galena and chalcopyrite.
