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Gemstone profile and identification guide

Sphalerite

Sphalerite is a zinc sulfide mineral prized by collectors for exceptionally high fire.

3.75 Mohs Honey, Red Brown Sulfide (Sphalerite)
Sphalerite

Overview

Sphalerite is a zinc sulfide mineral prized by collectors for exceptionally high fire.

Did you know? Sphalerite has higher dispersion than diamond but far lower durability.

Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.

Identification

Name: Sphalerite

Scientific classification: Sulfide (Sphalerite)

Hardness: 3.75 Mohs

Transparency: transparent

Lustre: adamantine to resinous

Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)

Primary colour: Honey

Secondary colour: Red Brown

Colour family: Oranges & Yellows

Very high dispersion, low hardness, and perfect cleavage are key diagnostics.

Verification Status

Status: verified-core-fields

Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society

Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.

Trade-name and treatment-sensitive entries include explicit disclosure notes where applicable.

Physical Properties

Hardness category: medium

Hardness value: 3.75 Mohs

Chemical composition: Zinc sulfide (ZnS)

Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)

Common locations: Spain, Mexico, Peru, Bulgaria, United States

Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.

Colour Variations

Soft high-dispersion zinc sulfide with honey to reddish-brown body color.

Optical effects: Very High Dispersion

Detailed Gemology

Mineral species: Sphalerite

Mineral group: Sulfide group

Chemical formula: Zinc sulfide (ZnS)

Mohs hardness: 3.75

Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)

Lustre: adamantine to resinous

Transparency: transparent

Streak: Pale yellow to brown

Cleavage: Perfect in six directions

Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven

Specific gravity: 3.9-4.1

Refractive index: 2.36-2.37

Optical phenomena: Intense fire from very high dispersion

Colour range: Yellow, honey, orange-brown, red-brown

Common inclusions: Cleavage traces, sulfide inclusions, fractures

Geological environment: Hydrothermal sulfide ore deposits

Principal mining regions: Spain, Mexico, Peru, Bulgaria, United States

Important commercial sources: Gem sphalerite is uncommon and sourced from zinc sulfide ore districts

Historical significance: Collector favorite for optical fire despite fragility.

Common treatments: Generally untreated.

Synthetic or imitation forms: Glass and synthetic high-RI imitations can mimic appearance.

Common look-alikes: Andradite, zircon, synthetic simulants

Jewellery uses: Used in collector faceted stones and mineral collections.

Care recommendations: Very soft with excellent cleavage; suitable mainly for collector handling.

Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Sphalerite.

Formation

Forms in hydrothermal sulfide ore systems.

Origin

Gem sphalerite is uncommon and sourced from zinc sulfide ore districts

Uses

Best for: Used in collector faceted stones and mineral collections.

Ideal uses: Collector gems rather than daily-wear jewelry.

Sphalerite FAQ

How can I identify Sphalerite?

Compare hardness (3.75 Mohs), crystal system (Isometric (Cubic)), colour profile, and lustre (adamantine to resinous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.

What colour range does Sphalerite appear in?

Soft high-dispersion zinc sulfide with honey to reddish-brown body color.

Where is Sphalerite commonly used?

Collector gems rather than daily-wear jewelry.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.