General Information:
Chemical Formula:
(Zn,Fe)S
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 97.46 gm)
Zinc 67.10 % Zn
Sulfur 32.90 % S
Empirical Formula:
ZnS
Environment:
In sulfide ore veins in all rock classes.
IMA Status:
Approved IMA 1960
Locality:
Notable localities are Santander, Spain and Joplin, Kansas.
Name Origin:
From the Greek sphaleros - "misleading."
Physical Properties:
Cleavage:
[110] Perfect, [110] Perfect, [110] Perfect
Color:
brown, yellow, red, green, or black.
Density:
3.9 - 4.2, Average = 4.05
Diaphaniety:
Translucent to transparent
Habits:
Euhedral Crystals - Occurs as well-formed crystals showing good external form., Granular - Generally occurs as anhedral to subhedral crystals in matrix., Colloform - Forming from a ge l or colloidal mass.
Hardness:
3.5-4 - Copper Penny-Flourite
Luminescence:
Fluorescent and triboluminescent.
Luster:
Resinous - Greasy
Streak:
brownish white
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