Important Uses of Sphalerite
Sphalerite is a zinc iron sulfide (ZnS) crystal that comes in a variety of colors: black, brown, red, orange, yellow, green and gray. It can also be colorless, but that is a rare occurrence. It is the main ore of zinc, which lends it to uses in metallurgy.
Features
Sphalerite crystals have perfect cleavage in six directions and more brilliance than diamonds. It comes in a variety of solid colors including black, brown, red, orange, yellow, green and grey. Some varieties have streaks. Pure sphalerite has a white streaks. When impurities are present, which is almost always the case, the mineral has a light brown streak.
Industrial Uses
Because sphalerite is a chief source of zinc, it is used mainly for metallurgy. Its zinc is used to coat metals to resist corrosion or can be used to make metal blends. The zinc from sphalerite is also extracted for use in dietary supplements and rust-proofing materials. Normally, it is used for making copper, lead and silver. Sphalerite also can be used to make batteries, brass, pigments and medicine.
Commercial Uses
Sphalerite has a high refractive index of 2.37 to 2.42, making it a very sparkly crystal. Gemologists usually add sphalerite to their collections as it can be polished to create a beautiful presentation. It can also be cut for use in jewelry.
Geography
Sphalerite is abundant in multiple parts of the world and can be found in all continents bar Antarctica. In the United States, sphalerite can be mined in Missouri, Illinois and Tennessee. In Australia, it can be found in the Broken Hill region. Sphalerite can also be found in England, Germany, Morocco, Peru and Burma. The transparent varieties are only found in Mexico and Spain.
Identification
Sphalerite gets its name from the Greek word meaning "unfaithful rock." The mineral was named by E.F. Glocker in 1847. Sphalerite is also known as "Blende." Other nicknames include Black Jack and Red Ruby after its color.
Tags: Uses Sphalerite, black brown, black brown orange, brown orange, brown orange yellow, comes variety, Important Uses