Welcome to SuchenGems!

Sphalerite is a zinc sulfide mineral known as a collector's gem for its exceptional "fire" (dispersion) and brilliance, showing fiery yellow, orange, and red flashes, though it's rarely used in jewelry due to its softness (3.5-4 Mohs) and perfect, brittle cleavage, making it fragile; its rich colors come from impurities like iron, with top gem-quality stones found in Spain and Mexico.

Key Characteristics

Color: Varies from colorless to yellow, orange, red, brown, and black; impurities like iron create most colors.

Luster: Resinous to adamantine (diamond-like).

Hardness: Soft (3.5-4 on Mohs scale) and brittle, making it prone to chipping.

Cleavage: Perfect, with six directions, contributing to its fragility but also unique crystal forms.

Dispersion (Fire): Extremely high, significantly more than diamond, giving it dazzling flashes of color.

Transparency: Ranges from transparent (gem quality) to opaque (ore quality).

Why It's a Collector's Gem

High Dispersion: Its most prized feature, creating a fiery display of color.

Rarity: Gem-quality, transparent pieces are uncommon.

Beauty: Produces brilliance and fire that must be seen in person to be fully appreciated.

Notable Locations

Spain (Santander region)

Mexico (Sonora)

Namibia

Care & Use

Handle with care due to softness.

Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals.

Store separately in a padded pouch.