Sphalerite

About Sphalerite

Sphalerite is a zinc sulfide mineral essential for collectors interested in ore minerals and diverse crystal forms. This cubic mineral exhibits striking colors from black and brown to red, yellow, or colorless, with exceptional luster and transparency in pure specimens. Sphalerite characteristically forms tetrahedral and dodecahedral crystals, often with perfect cleavage and brilliant optical properties. Specimens range from opaque massive pieces to transparent gemmy varieties valued for both display and mineralogical study.Major sphalerite deposits occur in Peru, Mexico, Spain, Poland, and the United States. This primary zinc ore mineral forms in hydrothermal veins and massive replacement ore bodies. Peruvian deposits near Huancayo produce exceptional red and brown specimens with fine crystal definition. Spanish localities near Almería yield transparent varieties, while Polish and Mexican mines contribute significant material to the collector market. American deposits in states like Montana and Tennessee have historically produced notable specimens.Explore our sphalerite collection featuring exceptional crystals in diverse colors from world-renowned sources. Our specimens showcase the full color range from transparent colorless to striking red and brown varieties. Browse sphalerite selections and add these zinc sulfides to your ore mineral collection.