AllMineralsRock
Sphalerite
Sphalerite is a popular mineral composed of zinc sulfide. [1]
Sphalerite: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Sphalerite:- Transparency: Sphalerite can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- Luster: In terms of luster, sphalerite can be adamantine, metallic or resinous.
- Streak: Sphalerite streaks brown, light brown or white.
- Hardness: Sphalerite's hardness ranges from 3.5 to 4 on the Moh's scale.
- Specific Gravity: Sphalerite's specific gravity ranges from 3.9 to 4.1.
Sphalerite: Background and Summary
Sphalerite is a mineral that is often found in zinc deposits and is the primary ore of zinc. It is a sulfide mineral with a chemical formula of ZnS and has a hardness of 3.5-4 on the Mohs scale. Sphalerite typically has a brown or yellowish-brown color, but can also be found in shades of red, green, black, and white. Its luster can range from metallic to resinous or dull.One way to identify sphalerite is by its distinctive cleavage, which is in six directions and produces a tetrahedral shape. It also has a high specific gravity and a distinct fluorescence under ultraviolet light. Sphalerite can be found in a variety of geological settings, including hydrothermal veins, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks.
Sphalerite has many uses, including as a source of zinc for the production of brass, which is used in plumbing and electrical applications. It is also used in the production of zinc oxide, which is used as a pigment in paints and plastics. Additionally, sphalerite is used as a gemstone and is often cut into faceted stones for use in jewelry.
Sphalerite: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Sphalerite (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | (Zn,Fe)S |
| Chemical Composition | zinc sulfide |
| Specific Gravity | 3.9, 4.1 |
| Hardness | 3.5, 4 |
| Streak | white, light brown, brown |
| Refractive Index | 2.37, 2.5 |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: brown, red, gray sometimes: blue, orange, colorless less common: black, green, yellow |
| Category | sulfide |
Sphalerite: FAQ
Q: Is sphalerite radioactive?A: No, sphalerite is not radioactive.
Q: Can sphalerite be found in the United States?
A: Yes, sphalerite can be found in many locations in the United States, including Missouri, Tennessee, and Colorado.
Q: Is sphalerite toxic?
A: No, sphalerite is not toxic.
Q: Can sphalerite be used in medicine?
A: While sphalerite itself is not used in medicine, zinc, which is extracted from sphalerite, has many medical applications. It is used in supplements, ointments, and as a treatment for certain skin conditions.
Sources
- Mindat.org. (n.d.). Sphalerite. Retrieved from https://www.mindat.org/min-3724.html- Geology.com. (n.d.). Sphalerite: The primary ore of zinc. Retrieved from https://geology.com/minerals/sphalerite.shtml
- Mineralogy Database. (n.d.). Sphalerite. Retrieved from http://www.webmineral.com/data/Sphalerite.shtml
- Sphalerite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphalerite
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