Where is sphalerite commonly found?
In the United States the most important sphalerite deposits are those in the Mississippi River valley region. There sphalerite is found associated with chalcopyrite, galena, marcasite, and dolomite in solution cavities and brecciated (fractured) zones in limestone and chert.
What rocks is sphalerite found in?
Sphalerite is a zinc sulfide mineral with a chemical composition of (Zn,Fe)S. It is found in metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary rocks in many parts of the world. Sphalerite is the most commonly encountered zinc mineral and the world’s most important ore of zinc.
How is sphalerite found?
Sphalerite is obtained from underground mining. It is a zinc ore that is formed in veins, which are long layers of rocks and minerals that form underground. For this reason, underground mining is the method of choice to retrieve it. Other mining methods, like surface mining, would be far too expensive and difficult.
Is sphalerite a rare mineral?
Sphalerite is a rare gem mineral that crystallizes in the cubic crystal system and consists largely of zinc sulfide formed with variable iron, with the chemical formula of (Zn,Fe)S. Its color is usually yellow, brown, red, or gray to gray-black with high dispersion and high adamantine luster.
Where is purple sphalerite found?
It is common with chalcopyrite in exhalative massive sulfide bodies associated with volcanic rocks, such as those deposits near Rhinelander and Crandon. It is abundant in low temperature hydrothermal deposited widely known as Mississippi Valley type deposits, such as is found in the southwestern portion of Wisconsin.
How is sphalerite used in everyday life?
For industrial purposes, sphalerite is used in galvanized iron, brass and batteries. The mineral is also used as a mildew-resistant element in certain paints. Although sphalerite could be used in jewelry because of its shine, it is quite soft, making it not very suitable for wearing.
How much is sphalerite worth?
Sphalerite sells between $20 and $200 per carat. The value is dependent on many factors, but cut, color, and clarity are the biggest ones. You need to find a qualified appraiser who is familiar with rare gems.
Why is the sphalerite important?
Sphalerite is an important ore of zinc; around 95% of all primary zinc is extracted from sphalerite ore. However, due to its variable trace element content, sphalerite is also an important source of several other metals such as cadmium, gallium germanium, and indium which replace zinc.
Is sphalerite a mineral or a rock?
Stratigraphic nomenclature: How rocks are named Sphalerite is an ore—a mineral of economic value—that was once mined in southeastern Kansas for its zinc content. It is also called zinc blende, blende, blackjack, and mock lead. Sphalerite crystals are usually shaped like triangular pyramids, with three sides and a base.
What is sphalerite most commonly used for?
For industrial purposes, sphalerite is used in galvanized iron, brass and batteries. The mineral is also used as a mildew-resistant element in certain paints.
What mineral family is sphalerite in?
Sulfide mineral
| Sphalerite | |
|---|---|
| Category | Sulfide mineral |
| Formula (repeating unit) | (Zn,Fe)S |
| Strunz classification | 2.CB.05a |
| Dana classification | 02.08.02.01 |
What kind of element can be extracted from a sphalerite?
Approximately 95% of all primary zinc is extracted from sphalerite ores. However, due to the variable trace element content, sphalerite is an important source of many other elements such as cadmium, gallium, germanium and indium. In some examples the gray-black crystals have red iridescence; These are called “ruby sphalerites.”
Why is sphalerite an important source of zinc?
Sphalerite is an important ore of zinc; around 95% of all primary zinc is extracted from sphalerite ore. However, due to its variable trace element content, sphalerite is also an important source of several other metals such as cadmium, gallium germanium, and indium which replace zinc.
Where can you find sphalerite in the USA?
United States: Franklin, New Jersey (almost colorless to pale green, transparent variety known as cleiophane); Kansas/Missouri/Oklahoma (so-called Tri-State Region, heavily mineralized by lead and zinc, with many localities and operating mines); Tiffin, Ohio (red color); Colorado/Utah (may be transparent); Arizona; Idaho; Montana; Wisconsin.
Is the mineral sphalerite colorless or rare?
Sphalerite mineral is in group of Sulfide mineral that is formula ( (Zn, Fe)S).It is the principal ore of zinc. Pure sphalerite is colorless and rare.