Sphalerite
Sphalerite is the primary ore of zinc and one of the most colorful sulfide minerals — ranging from pale yellow to honey orange to deep red to black depending on iron content. Pale yellow (low-iron) sphalerite from Tennessee and Missouri has an adamantine luster so brilliant it rivals diamond. It has the highest refractive index of any common mineral but is rarely used as a gem due to perfect cleavage in 6 directions.
Physical Properties
Chemical Formula
ZnS
Hardness (Mohs)
3.5–4
Color
Yellow, orange, brown, black — resinous luster
Luster
Resinous to adamantine
Crystal System
Cubic (isometric)
Streak
White to yellow
Cleavage
Perfect dodecahedral (6 directions)
Specific Gravity
3.9–4.1
🔍 Field Identification Tips
Resinous to adamantine luster (brilliant, almost diamond-like in pale specimens). White to yellow streak. Perfect cleavage in many directions. Often found with galena (lead gray) and chalcopyrite (brass yellow). Pale varieties are extremely brilliant. Iron content darkens color from yellow to black. Hardness 3.5–4.
Varieties & Forms
📍 Where to Find Sphalerite in the US
Uses & Applications
Primary ore of zinc, minor gem material (rarely faceted), collectors specimens.
💰 Collector Value Guide
Common dark sphalerite: $5–$30. Pale yellow "cleiophane" specimens: $50–$300. Exceptional transparent honey-colored pieces: $100–$1,000+.
Find Sphalerite With Our Tools
Use the We Lick Rocks app to identify specimens, find dig sites, and connect with local rockhounds.