The name of this mineral comes from the Greek word "sphaleros", which means "deceiving." Whom and how this stone is trying to trick - read in our article. In addition, from it you will learn about the main physical and chemical properties of the sphalerite mineral, as well as in which areas of modern industry it is used.
Mineral Overview
Many rocks and minerals have been known to scientists since ancient times, and therefore are well-studied. Sphalerite is one of those. This name was assigned to him in 1847 by the German geologist Ernst Friedrich Glocker. “Deceptive" - this is how it is translated from the ancient Greek language. Why did Glocker name the stone in this way?
The fact is that this mineral was very difficult to identify. Researchers confused it with galena, then with lead, then with zinc. In this regard, the mineral sphalerite is also often called zinc or ruby blende. By the way, today it is widely used to obtain pure zinc - an incredibly valuable metal that reliably protects iron structures from corrosion and damage.
The sphalerite mineral is divalent zinc sulfide. In nature, other elements of the periodic table are often mixed with it: cadmium, iron, gallium, and indium. The chemical formula of the mineral sphalerite is ZnS. Its color varies widely: from almost colorless to amber and orange-red.
Mineral sphalerite: photos and basic properties
Sphalerite is a fragile transparent stone consisting of tetrahedral crystals. Its main properties include the following:
- Mohs hardness is 3.5-4 points.
- Mineral shine - diamond, fracture uneven.
- Syngonia is cubic, cleavage is perfect.
- The stone leaves behind a yellowish, light brown or light blue line.
- It is soluble in hydrochloric and nitric acids, in the latter case, releasing pure sulfur.
- Poorly conducts electric current.
- Some of the varieties of sphalerite have fluorescent properties.
Sphalerite is a mineral that does not lend itself well to faceting and any kind of processing. When exposed to very high temperatures, it behaves differently, depending on the chemical composition. So, if a mineral contains a large amount of iron, then it will melt perfectly. At the same time, “pure” sphalerite practically does not lend itself to melting.
Sphalerite mineral: origin and main deposits
Sphalerite is formed in various geological conditions. So, it can be found in limestone, and in various sedimentary rocks, and as part of polymetallic ore deposits. Other minerals, such as galena, barite, fluorite, quartz and dolomites, very often “adjoin” in deposits with sphalerite.
Sphalerite mineral is mined in many countries of the world: Spain, USA, Russia, Mexico, Namibia, Poland, Czech Republic, Canada and others. The largest deposits of this stone include the following:
- Santander (Spain).
- Carrara (Italy).
- Pribram (Czech Republic).
- Dalnegorsk (Russia).
- New Jersey (USA).
- Sonora (Mexico).
- Dzhezkazgan (Kazakhstan).
Processed crystals of this mineral are quite popular among collectors. So, for one piece of “pure” sphalerite, you will have to pay at least 9 thousand rubles. But there are samples and more expensive. For example, yellow Spanish sphalerite weighing up to five carats already costs about 400 US dollars (about 25,000 rubles in terms of domestic currency).
Aggregated druses of sphalerite with quartz and chalcopyrite are also in demand on the semiprecious stones market.
Varieties of mineral
There are many different variations of sphalerite. The appearance and color scheme of this stone will depend on what impurities are part of a particular sample. So, it is customary to distinguish several main varieties of sphalerite:
- Marmarite (an opaque black mineral containing up to 20% iron).
- Marmazolite (one of the forms of marmarite with a low iron content in the structure).
- Brunkit (a pale yellow mineral that can absorb water).
- Kleiofan (a transparent mineral of honey or slightly greenish color).
- Pribramite (translucent stone with a high content of cadmium element).
One of the most interesting varieties of sphalerite is kleofan. This mineral is transparent, as it is completely devoid of impurities of manganese or iron. Clayophane is very fragile, although it lends itself well to cutting (therefore it is quite widely used in jewelry).
Sphalerite: healing properties of stone
In alternative medicine, the sphalerite mineral is used to increase immunity and overall vitality of the body. There is information that preparations from this stone are effective in cleansing the blood and treating digestive system disorders (due to the presence of a large amount of zinc in them).
From time immemorial, healers used sphalerite for hypothermia, as well as to restore vision. Stone amulets help those people who suffer from insomnia or nervous disorders.
Sphalerite: the magical properties of stone
It should be noted right away that representatives of “magical” professions (magicians, sorcerers, fortune tellers and others) do not really like this mineral. Black samples of sphalerite are used in establishing direct contacts with the underworld and its spirits. However, they are not advised to use them in the rites of guidance of damage, because the dark energy in this case will be returned to the one who sends it. And with a vengeance.
Yellow sphalerite stones are suitable for people who dream of finding long-awaited peace. White stones are used as protective amulets and protect their owner from various witchcraft powers.
Astrologers do not know exactly what zodiac signs this mineral protects. It is only known for certain that sphalerite is contraindicated in Scorpions and is very supportive of Taurus. The first he will interfere with the achievement of goals, but the second, on the contrary, will contribute in every possible way in all kinds of activities and undertakings.
Many people do not believe in mysticism and are skeptical of astrology. But even they will be pleased to get a small piece of sphalerite in their home. Indeed, in a faceted and processed form, it looks great!
Stone application
Zinc blende is used today in various industries. First of all, metallic zinc is smelted from the mineral (by the electrolytic method), simultaneously removing cadmium, indium and gallium. The last three metals are quite rare. They are used in the manufacture of alloys with a high degree of resistance. Gallium can also be found in lamps and thermometers as a filler.
Brass is also obtained from sphalerite. This alloy, due to its high strength and resistance to corrosion, has found very wide application in the manufacture of a variety of parts and mechanisms. Once, even coins were made of brass.
The second field of application of sphalerite is the paint and varnish and chemical industry. Zinc oxide is also used in medicine. A fairly wide range of products is obtained from it: rubber, artificial skin, sunblock, toothpastes, etc.
Jewelers also appreciated this mineral. However, the stone has a number of disadvantages: excessive fragility, insufficient hardness, low resistance to various chemicals. It can crack at any moment, it is easy to scratch it. Nevertheless, rings, rings, earrings, pendants and pendants are made from sphalerite.
For jewelry, the most valuable specimens mined in the Spanish city of Santander. Experts do not attribute sphalerite even to semiprecious stones. However, its real value often reaches several hundred dollars per stone (weighing up to five carats). In collections, sphalerite can most often be seen in the form of separate, rather large and unique samples.
Conclusion
Sphalerite is a sulfide class mineral (formula - ZnS), quite common in nature. Transparent and fragile, it is difficult to machine, cut and polish. Among the main varieties of sphalerite are marmarite, brunquite, gleophane and pribramite.
The scope of sphalerite is quite wide: metallurgy, electrical engineering, chemical industry, medicine. Despite the fragility, the mineral is widely used in jewelry.