Sphalerite

Sphalerite

By Tim Matthews, JD, FGA, GG, DGA,
CEO and President of JTV
Published: June 2014
Modified: November 2021
Sphalerite Polished Sphalerite Rough

Sphalerite makes an excellent collector’s stone, but it is too soft for jewelry. It is difficult to cut and polish due to perfect cleavage in six directions. Gemstone-quality material, when faceted, is remarkable due to its incredibly high dispersion.

General Information

Common Name
Sphalerite
Species
Sphalerite
Transparency
Transparent - Opaque
Dispersion
Strength: Extreme Fire Value: 0.156
Refractive Index
Over The Limit 2.369-2.500
Optic Character
NA
Optic Sign
NA
Polariscope Reaction
Singly Refractive (SR)
Fluorescence
SWUV: Inert to yellow, orange or strong orange-red
LWUV: Inert to yellow, orange or strong orange-red
Pleochroism
None
Hardness
3.5-4
Streak
Yellowish To Light Brown
Specific Gravity
3.900-4.100 Typical:4.050
Toughness
Poor
Inclusions
Sphalerite is frequently color zoned and has very strong dispersion.
Luster
Adamantine, Submetallic, Resinous, Greasy
Fracture
Conchoidal, Uneven
Cleavage
Perfect, in six directions
Chemical Name
zinc iron sulfide
Chemical Formula
(Zn,Fe)S
Crystal System
Cubic
Chemistry Classification
Sulfide

Sphalerite Colors

  • Red Sphalerite
    Red
  • Yellow Sphalerite
    Yellow
  • Orange Sphalerite
    Orange
  • Yellow Sphalerite
    Yellow
  • Multi-color Sphalerite
    Multi-color
  • Green Sphalerite
    Green
  • Gray Sphalerite
    Gray
  • Black Sphalerite
    Black

Alternate Names

Cleiophane, Marmatite, Zinc Blende

Countries of Origin

Russian Federation; Republic of Kosovo; Sri Lanka; United States of America; Madagascar; United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Spain; Canada; Unknown; China; Mexico; Bulgaria; Germany

Care

Sphalerite is a very soft stone, so be mindful of scratching. It is generally not suited for jewelry use.