mineral

Sphalerite

Zinc Sulfide (Zn,Fe)S

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 3.5 to 4.0; Color: yellowish-brown to black; Luster: Adamantine to resinous; Crystal structure: Isometric (regularly forms as tetrahedrons); Cleavage: Perfect dodecahedral in six directions; Specific gravity: 3.9 to 4.1.

Hardness: 3
Color: yellowish-brown to black
Luster: Adamantine to resinous

Identified December 29, 2025More mineral →

Explore Sphalerite in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms primarily in hydrothermal veins and replacement deposits. It is often found in sedimentary environments through precipitation in limestone and dolomite. It is a common sulfide mineral across various geological ages.

Uses & applications

The primary ore of zinc, used for galvanizing iron, making brass and bronze, and in the production of batteries. High-quality specimens are cut as gemstones, though they are soft for jewelry. Highly valued by mineral collectors.

Geological facts

Sphalerite is often called 'Black-Jack' by miners due to its dark color. It is known for its high dispersion (0.156), which is over three times that of a diamond, resulting in spectacular 'fire' in clear specimens.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its resinous luster, perfect cleavage, and a pale yellow to brown streak. Commonly found in locations like Joplin (Missouri), Leadville (Colorado), and various mines in Spain and Mexico.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Gneiss or Schist

Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet

Metamorphic

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz

Igneous Pegmatite

igneous

Granite

Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)

igneous

Septarian Pebble

Septarian nodule / Concretion

sedimentary