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| Interesting Sphalerite Crystal. Photo Credit: Lászlo Tóth |
Sphalerite
Sphalerite (sometimes spelled sphaelerite) is a sulfide mineral with the chemical formula (Zn,Fe)S. 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. It is found in association with galena, chalcopyrite, pyrite (and other sulfides), calcite, dolomite, quartz, rhodochrosite, and fluorite.
Formula: (Zn,Fe)S
System: Isometric
Colour: Yellow, light to dark ...
Lustre: Adamantine, Resinous
Hardness: 3½ - 4
From: Pit aid (Halsbrücke, Germany).
