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Sphalerite from Spain
No. 943X: Standard Brilliant Cut, SI1, 1.48 ct., 6.9 x ~5.0 mm, faceted by a native cutter, $59.20
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Sphalerite from Spain
No. 943X: Standard Brilliant Cut, SI1, 1.48 ct., 6.9 x ~5.0 mm, faceted by a native cutter, $59.20
Because of its softness (Mohs hardness 3.5-4.0), sphalerite
(zinc sulfide) is strictly a collector's gem. It is generally considered unsuitable
for use in jewelery. However, if you are a metalsmith with a flair for the daring,
you might be able to set this gem. It would certainly be an eye-catcher if successfully
mounted in a pendant. Although very soft, some sphalerite does posess a beautiful
deep golden color and a refractive index comparable to that of diamond (Dispersion
of light into spectral colors is lost in the deep golden color of this stone). Facet
grade sphalerite occurs in seveal world locations, but Spain produced the especially
beautiful deep golden-colored material shown above.