Crystal & mineral guide
Sphalerite
(Zn,Fe)S
Primary zinc ore — resinous luster and perfect cleavage distinguish it.
Identify Sphalerite with RockScanAbout Sphalerite
Sphalerite (zinc blende) is the chief zinc ore. Iron-rich varieties are darker; low-iron 'ruby blende' can be transparent red-orange. Adamantine/resinous luster and six cleavage directions aid ID. Often associates with galena in Mississippi Valley-type deposits.
Sphalerite belongs in a crystal identifier workflow because photo cues — color zoning, crystal habit, and surface luster — combine with measurable traits like Mohs 3.5–4 and specific gravity 3.9–4.1. Use RockScan’s camera to get a first-pass ID, then confirm with the checklist below.
Sphalerite properties
| Mohs hardness | 3.5–4 |
|---|---|
| Crystal system | Cubic |
| Luster | Adamantine to resinous |
| Color | Yellow, brown, black, red (ruby blende) |
| Composition | Zinc sulfide with variable iron |
| Formation | Hydrothermal veins with galena and pyrite |
| Occurrence | Worldwide; Spain, USA, China, Peru |
| Specific gravity | 3.9–4.1 |
| Cleavage | Perfect dodecahedral |
How to identify Sphalerite
- Resinous to adamantine luster
- Perfect cleavage; pale yellow to brown streak
- SG ~4; softer than similar garnets
Collector notes
- Name from Greek 'sphaleros' — treacherous, for ID difficulty
- Can show spectacular fluorescence in some localities
Value context: Ore by Zn grade; gemmy transparent crystals are collector rarities.
Sphalerite FAQ
How do you identify Sphalerite?
Sphalerite ((Zn,Fe)S) is typically recognized by yellow, brown, black, red (ruby blende) color, adamantine to resinous luster, Mohs hardness 3.5–4, and cubic crystal system. RockScan can suggest Sphalerite from a photo and surface these checks on the result card.
What is Sphalerite made of?
Sphalerite composition: Zinc sulfide with variable iron. It forms via hydrothermal veins with galena and pyrite and is found in Worldwide; Spain, USA, China, Peru.
Is Sphalerite valuable?
Ore by Zn grade; gemmy transparent crystals are collector rarities.
