PEN-SPHALPT-01
Origin: Spain
Grade: A
Dimensions:
0.1-0.5g - Approximately 10-15mm
0.5-10g - Approximately 15-20mm
10-20g - Approximately 20-30mm
Origin:
Spain
Grade:
A = good
Small tumbled stone of sphalerite from Spain
Sold individually.
Weight from 01-05g, 05-10g to 10-20g
Colors and patterns may vary from stone to stone.
Sphalerite derives its name from the Greek word "sphaleros," meaning "traitor." This name alludes to the ease with which this dark-colored stone was mistaken for galena (a mineral with a high lead content).
The Germans also call it "Zinkblende", "blende" meaning "blind" or "deceiver".
Sphalerite can be found in shades of yellow, reddish, greenish or even translucent.
Gem-quality sphalerite is found only in the Chivera mines in Mexico or in the Spanish massif "Picos de Europa".
Sphalerite is a crystallization of zinc sulfide (ZnS) exhibiting a slight deficiency in Zinc (Zn1-xS).
Despite its amazing optical effects, Sphalerite is a little-known and very rare stone.