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Sphalerite from Spain
No. 945X: Brilliant Emerald Cut, SI1, 1.09 ct., 7.0 x 4.8 x ~4.5 mm, faceted by a native cutter, $43.60
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Sphalerite from Spain
No. 945X: Brilliant Emerald Cut, SI1, 1.09 ct., 7.0 x 4.8 x ~4.5 mm, faceted by a native cutter, $43.60
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 yellow to golden color and a refractive index comparable to that of diamond. Facet grade sphalerite occurs in seveal world locations, but Spain produced the especially beautiful deep golden-colored material shown above. The above image doesn't do justice to this little gem. Viewed in person, this stone shows a beautiful play of various spectral colors as the stone is rotated.