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16.65: Sphalerite

Last updated

May 6, 2022
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- 16.64: Hackmanite
- 16.66: Sphene

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Sphalerite
Chemical composition	(Zn,Fe)S
Crystal system	Cubic
Habit	Tetrahedral or dodecahedral
Cleavage	Perfect in 6 directions; easily developed
Fracture	Concoidal to uneven
Hardness	3.5-4.0
Optic nature	Isotropic
Refractive index	2.368 - 2.50 (increases with Fe content)
Specific gravity	3.95-4.10
Lustre	Adamantine to Subadamantine

Figure $\PageIndex{1}$ : Round Brilliant Sphalerite
Photo courtesy of
Rick Martin, Art Cut Gems

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