Collection: Sphalerite

Sphalerite is a very important mineral, mainly because it is the principal ore of zinc .

🔷 Name: Sphalerite

• Chemical name: Zinc sulfide

• Formula: ZnS (sometimes with Fe, Mn, Cd in partial substitution)

• Group: Sulfides

🔶 Physical characteristics:

🔶 Composition and variations:

• It is composed mainly of ZnS .

• Iron (Fe) can partially replace zinc: the more iron there is, the darker the color and the higher the conductivity.

• The iron-rich variety is sometimes called marmatite .

🧭 Formation and deposits:

• Forms in hydrothermal deposits , often associated with:

  • Galena (PbS)

  • Pyrite (FeS₂)

  • Chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂)

• It is also found in metamorphic rocks or carbonates .

• Large deposits:

  • United States (Missouri, Tennessee)

  • Canada (Sudbury)

  • Spain , Mexico , Germany , China

🛠️ Uses:

• Main source of zinc used in:

  • Galvanization (steel protection)

  • Alloys (brass)

  • Batteries, pigments, and medications

• Sometimes used as a collector's stone (beautiful shiny crystals)

🔮 Curiosities and optical properties:

• May fluoresce under UV (often orange or red).

• Its adamantine luster can make it look like a gemstone, especially in light tones.