Sphalerite
“Zinc's dazzling disguise”
Sphalerite is a zinc sulfide mineral and the most important zinc ore worldwide. It occurs in a stunning range of colors from yellow and red to black, and gem-quality specimens have a fire (dispersion) that actually exceeds diamond, making it a collector's favorite.
zinc sulfide (ZnS), commonly with iron, cadmium, manganese
Tri-State District (Oklahoma/Kansas/Missouri, USA), Broken Hill (Australia), Santander (Spain), Joplin (Missouri)
3.5-4
Gem-quality sphalerite has a dispersion of 0.156 — more than three times that of diamond — giving it extraordinary rainbow flashes, but it's too soft for everyday jewelry.
Test Your Knowledge
Why does gem-quality sphalerite display more 'fire' (spectral dispersion) than diamond?
Related Specimens
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