Sphalerite Specimens

Sphalerite, often called “zinc blende,” is a zinc sulfide mineral with the chemical formula (Zn, Fe)S. It’s the most important ore of zinc, a vital metal used in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and electronics.

Sphalerite is found worldwide in various geological settings, including sedimentary exhalative, Mississippi Valley-type, and volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits. Some notable mining locations include Peru, Australia, Canada, and the United States.

Sphalerite crystals typically form in a cubic crystal system, often displaying dodecahedral or tetrahedral habits. They can range in color from light yellow to dark brown, black, or even green, depending on the iron content. The higher the iron content, the darker the color.

Sphalerite is often associated with other sulfide minerals like galena, pyrite, and chalcopyrite. It can also be found with carbonate minerals such as calcite and dolomite, as well as quartz and fluorite.

Due to its economic importance, sphalerite is extensively mined and processed to extract zinc. The zinc produced from sphalerite is used in a wide range of applications, from galvanizing steel to manufacturing brass and bronze alloys. If you would like to learn more about sphalerite, click this link.