XL 70MM Polished Sphalerite Druzy And Crystal Quartz Vugs Sphere Mineral Stand For Sale

Location: Brazil

Weight: 13.4 Ounces

Dimensions: 70MM

Comes with a stand.

The item pictured is the one you will receive. 

Sphalerite is a sulfide mineral with the chemical formula that serves as the primary ore of zinc globally. Discovered in 1847 by German geologist Ernst Friedrich Glocker, its name derives from the Greek \"sphălerós,\" meaning \"deceptive,\" due to miners often confusing it with minerals like galena because of its variable appearance. It crystallizes in a face-centered cubic system [zincblende structure] and exhibits perfect dodecahedral cleavage in six directions, enabling it to break into blocks. With a Mohs hardness of 3.5 to 4 and a resinous to adamantine luster, pure zinc sulfide is colorless and transparent with a broad bandgap. Natural sphalerite contains iron and trace impurities; as iron content increases [up to 40%], it darkens from yellow, orange, red to dark brown or black [marmatite or black-jack], and becomes more conductive. It supplies about 95% of primary zinc, used for galvanizing steel, making brass and bronze alloys, and battery production. Additionally, it contains secondary trace elements like cadmium, gallium, germanium, and indium. Formed in environments such as sedimentary exhalative [SEDEX], Mississippi-Valley type [MVT], and volcanogenic massive sulfide [VMS] deposits, sphalerite\'s high dispersion and fiery nature—sometimes exceeding diamond—make gem varieties attractive for collectors, though its softness and cleavage limit its use in regular jewelry.