Sphalerite is a sulfide mineral with the chemical formula (Zn, Fe) S. [5] It is the most important ore of zinc. Sphalerite is found in a variety of deposit types, but it is primarily in sedimentary exhalative, Mississippi-Valley type, and volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits.

Sphalerite, also known as zinc blende and black-jack, is a zinc sulfide mineral that crystallizes in the form of masses, botryoidal, cubes, tetrahedral crystals, and dodecahedral crystals. Its most commonly silver and grey, but can also be seen as red, …

Apr 23, 2023 · Sphalerite, the most important ore of the zinc ore, is a very common mineral and is associated with galena, pyrite, marcasite, chalcopyrite, smithsonite, calcite and dolomite. In its formation and origin mode, it is closely related to the most common galena.

Sphalerite is the most commonly encountered zinc mineral and the world's most important ore of zinc. Dozens of countries have mines that produce sphalerite. Recent top producers include Australia, Bolivia, Canada, China, India, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Peru, and the …

Jan 20, 2019 · Sphalerite is a significant zinc ore which is usually found in hydrothermal veins. It can also be found in limestones where ore bodies have been created. Although it’s too fragile for making jewelry because of its 3.5 to 4.0 rating on the hardness scale, collectors find it a magnificent crystal.

Sphalerite, also known as blende or zinc blende, is the major ore of zinc. When pure (with little or no iron) it forms clear to white crystals (known as Cleiophane). Yellow to orange sphalerite is often called "golden sphalerite." Red shades of sphalerite are known as Ruby Blende or Ruby Jack.

Sphalerite, zinc sulfide (ZnS), the chief ore mineral of zinc. It is found associated with galena in most important lead-zinc deposits. The name sphalerite is derived from a Greek word meaning “treacherous,” an allusion to the ease with which the dark-coloured, opaque varieties are …

Sphalerite (sometimes spelled sphaelerite) (which is also known as Blende), is an important ore of zinc and can make a rather attractive cabinet specimen as well. It can have excellent luster and associates with many beautifully colored minerals making it one of the best enhancers of many fine mineral specimens.

Sphalerite is the principle ore of zinc. In some localities, it occurs with significant amounts of the rare elements cadmium, gallium, and iridium, and it is also the main ore of those metals. Sphalerite is an important mineral to collectors, and some transparent varieties are occasionally faceted for collectors.

Sphalerite. Comments: Highly lustrous, black, complex sphalerite crystals to 15 mm in size completely covering the top of a sulfide matrix. Location: Nanisivik mine, Baffin Island, Northwest Territories, Canada. Scale: 6.5 x 7.5 x 1.8 cm. © Dan Weinrich