Sphalerite

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By Species > Sulphides

Sphalerite

Mineral Species: Sphalerite

Chemical Formula: ZnS

Chemical Name: Zinc Sulfide

Mineral Class: Sulfide

Mineral Notes: Sphalerite is a common sulfide and an important ore of Zinc. It is often called Zincblende or Black Jack. The mineral most commonly occurs in hydrothermal veins in all types of rock, especially with other sulfides, like Galena. Nearly all Sphalerite contains some Iron in solid solution, which affects its appearance and properties. Identification is made on the basis of its perfect cleavage and resinous luster.

Description: A black sedimentary matrix on which sits a large deposit of crystalline black Sphalerite. Many of the crystals are twinned and fused into rounded aggregates. The crystals have a very metallic luster and some faces show growth zones and striations.

Location: Nenthead, Co Durham, England.

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