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Sphalerite from Spain
No. 946X: Standard Brilliant Cut, VS, 0.71 ct., 5.3 x ~ 4.5 mm, faceted by a native cutter, $28.40
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Sphalerite from Spain
No. 946X: Standard Brilliant Cut, VS, 0.71 ct., 5.3 x ~ 4.5 mm, faceted by a native cutter, $28.40
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.