mineral

Sphalerite with Agate and Druzy Quartz

Zinc Sulfide (ZnS) with Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 3.5-4 (Sphalerite), 6.5-7 (Agate/Quartz); Color: Dark brown to black matrix with white/blue-gray agate banding and sparkly druzy cavities; Luster: Resinoid to adamantine on sphalerite, vitreous on quartz, waxy on agate; Trigonal and cubic crystal systems.

Hardness: 3

Identified July 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins and low-temperature ore deposits where silica-rich fluids deposit chalcedony/quartz layers alongside sulfide minerals like sphalerite, often leaving small druzy cavities.

Uses & applications

Carved for lapidary decor, polished display pieces, crystal healing collections, and as an ore specimen for zinc extraction when raw.

Geological facts

Sphalerite is the primary ore of zinc and gets its name from the Greek 'sphaleros' meaning 'treacherous' or 'deceiving', because it was difficult to distinguish from galena but yielded no lead. When carved into crescent moon shapes, it highlights the contrast between dark mineral matrix and sparkling pocket druzy.

Field identification & locations

Look for dark resinous-to-metallic matrix studded with translucent agate patterns and sparkling tiny quartz crystals inside small vugs. Commonly found in Indonesia (Java), Madagascar, Peru, and the USA.

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