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 grey sandstone matrix on which sit large, black crystals of Sphalerite. Nearly all have excellent crystal form showing a mix of the characterisitc dedecahedral and tertrahedral habits. Many of these show very lustrous and well-defined cubic and pseudo-cubic faces. A really good display specimen.
