April 2023 – Sphalerite

The German term “Zinkblende” reveals what the mineral sphalerite is chemically – a zinc sulfide. Sphalerite crystallizes in the cubic crystal system and develops mostly tetrahedral and dodecahedral crystals. Depending on the exact composition, sphalerite has a yellow, red, brown or black color. Sphalerite is of economic interest because it can also incorporate gallium, germanium and indium. These are important elements for industry and technology.

ZnS

Locality: Trepča, Kosovo

Size: 3x11x7 cm (HxLxW)

Weight: 455 g

Foto: Fabio Joseph, Mineralogical State Collection Munich